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As long as there are people who are in need, we will continue to fulfill our Christian responsibility by engaging in socio-civic activities.
THE ADMINISTRATION of the Church Of Christ is at the forefront of the Church’s socio-civic activities. The Executive Minister also untiringly exhorts members to treat social concern as a God-given duty. To this end, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo sets the example by treating others with love and compassion as well as by providing aid to those who are in need. The Church Administration leads and enjoins members in the firm faith that the Lord God will bless all His servants who help those who are in need.
God’s commandment: “… You shall love your neighbor as yourself …” (Matt. 19:19 New King James Version), as pointed out by our Lord Jesus Christ, clearly places social concern within the realm of Christian responsibility.
Such love is expressed not just through words but also through action:
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Gal. 6:10 nkjv)
Apostle Paul’s exhortation, “Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share …” (I Tim. 6:18 nkjv), proves that Christians are to engage in such works with enthusiasm.
This is why social concern is a duty of Church Of Christ members. It is a proof of obedience to the Lord God’s command, as taught by Peter, an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, that we love our fellowmen and have compassion for them:
“Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous.”
(I Pet. 3:8 nkjv)
Such was shown by the members of the Church during the time of the apostles when they sent help to those who lacked food due to a great famine:
“Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.” (Acts 11:28–30 nkjv)
Though spread far and wide, these early Christians were united in action. The same unity is evident in the members of the Church Of Christ today who send what relief they can, through the Church Administration, to those who are in need.
That such socio-civic activities should be done in a timely manner is also in keeping with the will of God:
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so. Do not say to your neighbour, ‘Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it,’ When you have it with you.” (Prov. 3:27–28 nkjv)
Christian kindness becomes even more vital since, with the nearing Judgment Day, we are told to:
“Remember that there will be difficult times in the last days.”
(II Tim. 3:1 Good News Bible)
“Countries will fight each other; kingdoms will attack one another. There will be famines and earthquakes everywhere. All these things are like the first pains of childbirth.” (Matt. 24:7–8 gnb), said the Lord Jesus Christ, to describe some of what would take place in these last days.
There is no question that there are many kind people who are trying to ease the pain of those who suffer.
We, members of the Church Of Christ, though just ordinary citizens, also strive to do our part by being kind to those who are in need. We firmly believe that we are blessed when we do this:
“It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed are those who are kind to the needy.” (Prov. 14:21 Today’s New International Version)
During these hard times, when we all the more need to be blessed by God, the Bible assures us that God’s servants who are kind to those who are in need and the poor will be blessed:
“Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” (Prov. 14:31 tniv)
Those who honor the Lord God will receive His blessing that brings true joy:
“If you want to be happy, be kind to the poor; it is a sin to despise anyone.” (Prov. 14:21 gnb)
So, for as long as there are poor and people who are in need in the land, we, members of the Church Of Christ, led by the Church’s Administration, will continue to fulfil our Christian responsibility by engaging in socio-civic activities. We firmly believe that to love and to be compassionate to others by providing help when it is in our power to do so will bring blessings and happiness to us as well.
This article was originally published in the Pasugo: God’s Message magazine.
