Friend of StrangersSample

Centrally placed in the Bible, we find an important word of God for leaders:

“Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (Pr 31:8-9)

These words of wisdom call on people in leadership positions to speak out publicly to support vulnerable people who cannot speak for themselves.

Christians must give voice to those who have no voice, both in society and in the church. To speak for those no one wants to listen to and to call attention to those to whom society turns a blind eye.

This is not something only activists and relatives should be doing. This text is addressed directly to the King of Israel. Raising your voice for the weak is a task assigned to all leaders.

The person at risk of deportation, the person who does not have the right to vote, the person who is sick, the person who has no contacts, and the person with no chance in society. Christians have a responsibility to take up the cause of the needy and make the struggle their own.

What good is it if you only pray for a fellow human being without also being the answer to your prayer? When we combine prayer with holy work, it not only helps our fellow humans, but it transforms us into more righteous people and creates the community of love on which God's kingdom is based.