The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum To the least of these

John,

I think "GoldenTrout" has grasped the essence of the biblical teaching concerning the poor, naked and hungry of this world. The first and most important responsibility of the Church is to bring the Gospel to those who are outside of Christ. However, the most benevolent God Who supplies all in this world with the essentials of life requires that we do the same. (Matt 5:43-48) That Christians are to take pity and show mercy to the downcast of this earth is clearly taught in Scripture, e.g., Lev 25:35; Deut 5:7-18; Ps 41:1; Prov 11:25; 22:9; 25:21,22; 28:27; Isa 58:6-7,10-11; Matt 14:15; 19:21; 15:32; 25:42-45; Lk 3:11; Rom 15:25-27; Jam 2:14-16; 1Jh 3:16-18).

It is not a matter of either/or; Gospel or food, but both/and Gospel and food. The Liberals with their social gospel err, of course, for they have no Gospel which will bring ultimate relief and eternal bliss to those in need of being reconciled to God. But those who withhold the necessities of life from those in need are in peril of damnation no less than those whom they despise for they show a lack of genuine love, a fruit of the Spirit. (Gal 5:22)

Micah, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit I believe lays down the principle of how we as those who have received the mercy of God and who have been given all things in Christ are to treat our neighbor: