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BIBLICAL TEXTS

Even though this is not an exhaustive list of Biblical references to poverty and injustice, it demonstrates the importance of advocacy. Such references point out the Biblical mandate to care for those who suffer from hunger and poverty. Caring includes addressing the needs of the poor on a micro level by literally giving out food, clothing etc. as well as engaging in advocacy, which strives to change the larger power structures of the world so that they are more in line with a Godly view of justice.

OLD TESTAMENT

 

Ex 16:1-30 Trust God to provide our needs

Ex 22:21-23 You shall not oppress the resident alien

Ex 23:1-9 Do not pervert/deny justice to your people

Lev 19:9-10 Leave gleanings for poor people

Lev 19:15-16 Judge with justice; do not take advantage

Deut 15:1-11 Sabbatical year and remission of debts

Deut 16:18-20 Justice, and only justice, shall you pursue

Ps 82 God wants justice for the weak and destitute

Prov 21:13 Listen to the cry of poor people

Prov 22:9 Those who are generous with the poor are blessed

Is 5:1-17 The Lord is exalted by justice

Is 58:1-14 The true fasting that God desires

Mic 6:6-8 What God truly requires

NEW TESTAMENT

 

Mt 6:25-34 First seek God and God's justice

Mt 25:31-46 "I was hungry and you gave me food"

Mk 6:30-44 Feeding the five thousand

Mk 10:17-22 The man with many possessions

Mk 12:28-34 The great commandment

Lk 4:16-21 Jesus sent to bring good news to the poor

Lk 10:25-37 Parable of the Good Samaritan

Lk 14:12-14 Invite poor people to your dinner

Jn 8:1-11 The woman caught in adultery

Acts 2:44-45 The believers provided for each other’s needs

Rom 15:24b-29 Paul’s churches helping the poor of Jerusalem

2 Cor 9:11-15 Generosity is enriching and an expression of the gospel

Hebrews 10:23-25 Encouragement to be concerned for one another

James 2:1-9 Love all people the same; especially the poor, despite appearances

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