Isaiah 3:14-15 AMPC
The Lord enters into judgment with the elders of His people and their princes: For [by your exactions and oppressions you have robbed the people and ruined the country] you have devoured the vineyard; the spoil of the poor is in your houses. [15] What do you mean by crushing My people and grinding the faces of the poor? says the Lord God of hosts.
God hates greedy oppression - the leaders in every country have a responsibility to rule with justice and fairness.
Yesterday, a dear friend was white with rage about our current leaders.
His outrage was for how the poor are being treated. He could almost be quoting the passage above in verse 15.
It's true, this winter is going to be ruinous for many househds, with bills rising out of control.
Faced with a decision "To heat or eat" - it could be calamitous - with despair the daily diet.
As believers in Jesus, we must be alert and bringers of hope into the gloom of those around us.
Micah 6:8 AMPC
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, and to love kindness and mercy, and to humble yourself and walk humbly with your God?
Let's not be afraid to give to those who can't repay, we are giving to God!
Luke 6:38 AMPC
Give, and [gifts] will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will they pour into [the pouch formed by] the bosom [of your robe and used as a bag]. For with the measure you deal out [with the measure you use when you confer benefits on others], it will be measured back to you.
Let's break the chains of oppression in our own little world.
There are practical things we can do - like putting something in the food bank when we go shopping, asking a neighbour in to share a meal - be creative - let the Holy Spirit inspire you.
Let our lives lift up those falling down during hard times.
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