Читать книгу Let The Weak Say: - Job Mothiba - Страница 12

With this in mind, there is more we can do to address this weaknesses in our communities. As Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 5:14) that they must warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak and be patient with everyone. We can also help in our communities (the weak, the widows, and the orphans) but even in that, it must be with love, patience and never forget we depend on God in our weakness. For when we are weak, then we are strong.

“For I assisted the poor in their need and the orphans who required help. I helped those without hope, and they blessed me. And I caused the widows’ hearts to sing for joy” (Job 29:12-13)

Even with the Israelite community, it was understood that care and protections be given towards those on the margins of their society. In the Old Testament God gives various commands about how to live in community with one another. These are not commands to be acted upon haphazardly when we are convicted or feel passion, but rather it outlines the plans for a just and merciful community where all may flourish.

These Old Testament commands include insights into equality of opportunity (the year of Jubilee) and opportunities for the poor to provide for themselves (gleaning). “When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your God.” (Leviticus 23:22)

“Happy are those who pay close attention to the poor, The LORD rescues them during troubling times.” (Psalm 41:1)