A Clear Biblical Mandate to Address Poverty
Like the early Church of Acts 2, who felt it only right to help their brothers and sisters in need, Compassion and Willow Creek Association believe there is a biblical mandate for the resource-rich members of the Body today to partner with the resource-poor members of the Body, so that the kingdom of God may be advanced and that Jesus may be glorified.
Below are a few of the more than 2,000 passages in Scripture that speak directly to the biblical mandate that God has entrusted us with.
Deuteronomy 15:11
There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.
Psalm 82:3-4
Defend the cause of the weak and the fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
Proverbs 3: 27-28
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow" – when you now have it with you.
Luke 3:10-11
"What should we do then?" the crowd asked. John answered, "The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same."
1 John 3:17-18
If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
James 1:26-27
If anyone considers himself religious … look after orphans and widows in their distress.
Respond to the biblical mandate through a partnership with Compassion.
Call one of Compassion's Church Relations Representatives at (866) 441-7184 or e-mail Compassion with questions.
