Counsel #3 — Showing Mercy Honors Jesus

Picture: Counsel #3 — Showing Mercy Honors JesusCSI 38.1

According to Matthew 25, every neglect of the needy, the exploited, oppressed and homeless is neglect of Jesus. Biblical principles as practiced by our compassionate Redeemer lessen suffering and bring hope and love into the lives of those who have least.CSI 38.2

The directives found in Leviticus were given to avoid the exploitative accumulation of wealth by one societal group and the poverty and degradation of another. Policies that enrich one class of persons through the oppression and suffering of another class are prohibited in God’s Word. It is our privilege and responsibility to not only provide for the temporal needs of the poor, but to also share the sweet news that Jesus loves them.^{[75]https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/2.458}CSI 38.3

“He who oppresses the poor reproaches his maker, but he that honors him has mercy on the needy.” Proverbs 14:31 NKJVCSI 38.4

“At the feet of Jesus, the rich and the poor, the learned and the ignorant, meet together, with no thought of caste or worldly pre-eminence. All earthly distinctions are forgotten as we look upon Him whom our sins have pierced…. We are all woven together in the great web of humanity, and we cannot, without loss, withdraw our sympathies from one another.” Ellen White in Gospel Workers, p. 330, 331CSI 38.5

Reflect: In what ways can you be mindful in bringing Jesus’ hope and love to those who have the least?CSI 38.6