The Vulnerable Among Us
Jesus always seemed to see the person first. As we take on his nature, we, too, increasingly see people through the eyes of grace. When we learn someone’s name and hear their story, they become more real—more human—to us.
A "Do Everything In Love" List
List of 5 about caring for the Vulnerable:
1. Recognize the root of the problem
When we think of Sodom, we usually jump to the most shocking sins, usually sexual in nature. Ezekiel, however, points to something deeper: thinking we’re better than others, having more than we need, and choosing comfort over caring. Those roots grow in our hearts and produce fruit very different from what Galatians 5 describes. The solution is to address the problem at its root.
Scripture: Ezekiel 16:49–50
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2. People always come before policies
Jesus always seemed to see the person first. As we take on his nature, we, too, increasingly see people through the eyes of grace. When we learn someone’s name and hear their story, they become more real—more human—to us. Their needs become more real, and any fear we have starts to lose its grip. We need wisdom, of course, but rules should never excuse us from ignoring someone in need.
Scripture: Mark 2:27
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3. Worship is worthless if we turn away from those in need
Through Amos, God declares—perhaps unexpectedly—that our songs and offerings mean very little if we ignore the hurting people around us. God isn’t telling us to stop worshiping—the acts of worship are not meaningless, but God wants the love we show him on Sunday to show up in how we treat people the rest of the week.
Scripture: Amos 5:21–24
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4. The church will become known for its care for the vulnerable (and toward those who disagree with said care)
The first believers—Followers of the Way—rescued abandoned babies, welcomed strangers, and cared for the sick when no one else would. They weren’t trying to put on an act or attempting some version of ancient virtue signaling. They truly cared—Christlike love was real in them. They were simply obeying Jesus, and over time their love changed laws, neighborhoods, and lives.
Scripture: Matthew 25:35–40
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5. Move in the direction of love
Each of us lands somewhere between hostility and love—think about a person or a vulnerable group and think about where you fall on this spectrum. If we are honest about where we are, the next step is to let God’s Spirit move us toward love. Small steps like learning someone’s name, volunteering for an organization that assists the vulnerable, and speaking kindly (and with grace) can help us grow more like Jesus.
Scripture: 1 John 3:18
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Steven E Fairbanks
Steven E Fairbanks