Greetings Pastor King,

Thank you for your powerful reflection on the call to compassion and justice. Your use of Matthew 25:35, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,” beautifully captures the heart of Christ’s mission—one that demands active love. Your inclusion of James 2:15-17 further challenges us to move beyond sentiment into sacrificial service, reminding us that faith without action is lifeless.

Another verse that speaks to this call is Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” This verse offers a clear framework for living out our faith: justice, mercy, and humility. It affirms that our spiritual walk is deeply intertwined with how we treat others, especially those who are vulnerable or overlooked.

Biblically, we are not only called to serve but to stand. Advocacy is a natural extension of compassion—it’s love that speaks up. Practically, this means equipping our congregations with both the heart and the tools to engage in systemic change. Whether through education, community partnerships, or policy engagement, we can help believers become agents of transformation who reflect the justice and mercy of Christ.

You asked, “How can we cultivate a culture within our church that consistently challenges us to move beyond charity to advocacy for systemic change?” One way is by integrating justice themes into our teaching and discipleship. When advocacy becomes part of our spiritual formation—not just a ministry silo—it begins to shape the culture. Encouraging testimonies, hosting forums, and partnering with local justice initiatives can also help normalize this shift.

How have you seen advocacy and compassion work together in your ministry to bring lasting change?

Blessings, Pastor Ruben