We live in a day and age where everyone wants to be socially responsible because of the status and image it brings. Celebrities, companies, public figures and even pastors want to be socially responsible because it makes them look good.
According to Financial Times, Fortune 500 companies put together a combined effort of $15 billion in corporate social responsibility spending in 2015. More and more companies, organizations and individuals are taking the opportunity to participate in social responsibility.
One thing that many people don't know about social responsibility, though, is that at it's core, social responsibility is a Christian concept. Not that it's an idea that exclusively belongs to Christians, but one that builds the foreground for our belief.
There are over 70 scriptures in the Bible that command us to value social justice and social activity. One example would be Psalm 41:1 which says, "How blessed is he who considers the helpless; The LORD will deliver him in a day of trouble."
God is calling every believer to take part in loving those who are in need, and here are three simple ways that you can start today.
Practice generosity
Whether it's by setting aside finances, skills or time to participate in helping the urban poor, the fatherless or the hurt, we can give what little we have and let God multiply it so that we may see God work in the lives of those who do not have much.
Deuteronomy 15:11 says, "For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, 'You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.'"
Be empowered to be a witness
Acts 1:8 declares that we have been given by God the power "to be a witness to Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth." That power is not a power to make a name for ourselves, build nicer church buildings or become faster athletes, but a power to be a witness to God's grace by mirroring His love and compassion for other people.
God's power, grace and provision are upon us and fill us to overflowing extents so that we may be a channel to other people as well.
Love your neighbor
We all know the story of the good Samaritan. What we do not know is that majority of Samaritans are not rich, but Jesus did not see that as an excuse. In fact, Jesus deliberately used a Samaritan as an example to show that you don't need a huge bank account to love your neighbor.
Loving your neighbor means sacrificing and going out of your way to be a blessing to others. Social responsibility will always hurt us, but God moves best when we move on His behalf and be a channel of love to others.
