Counsel #20 — Christ Identifies with the Poor

Picture: Counsel #20 — Christ Identifies with the PoorCSL 30.1

Without a doubt, Jesus identifies Himself with poor and disregarded people. This means that if we are truly to follow and build our identity in Him, our Christian identity must inherently involve standing in solidarity with those who are struggling and cast aside.^{[38] https://adventistreview.org/news/biblical-justice-in-a-world-of-social-unrest/} This commitment extends to helping the economically disadvantaged, those pushed to the fringes of society, immigrants who do not receive due process, racial groups experiencing discrimination, and anyone who possesses the least resources.CSL 30.2

If our identity is found in Christ, we will seek justice in the systems that create and perpetuate poverty and actively oppose injustice. For instance, we can advocate for economic justice and human dignity by striving to support companies that uphold fair wages and provide benefits for their employees.CSL 30.3

Our response to the needs of the vulnerable is a direct reflection of our devotion to Christ and our identity in Him.^{[39] https://adventistreview.org/magazine-article/the-least-of-these/} CSL 30.4

“And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” Matthew 25:40 NKJVCSL 30.5

“What solidarity Jesus expresses between Himself and His suffering children! He makes their case His own. Their misery is His misery. Take note, selfish Christian: Each neglect of the needy poor, the homeless, the fatherless, the prisoner, is neglect of Jesus.” Ellen White in A Call to Stand Apart, p. 93CSL 30.6

Reflect: What is one concrete action God is calling you to take to more fully align your Christian identity with Christ’s identification with the poor and marginalized?CSL 30.7