No Poverty
What does the Bible teach?
Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, „Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,“ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (James 2:15-17)
What should we pray for?
For patience and understanding between those experiencing poverty and those who are not. May we be better able to imagine ourselves living the lives of those around us and then use these experiences to inform our words and actions.
For governments and leaders that they will be filled with a passion for those living in poverty. May they improve policies, encouraging accountability and addressing corruption. Pray that the world will see the poor as people and not as a problem or a project.
For those living in or close to poverty, that they are able to gain the skills required to improve their situation. May people be willing to spend time and energy teaching these skills and may the necessary people ‐ for example, potential employers ‐ be able to see past current circumstances and offer relevant opportunities.
What can we do?
Fair Trade: Buy products with a fair trade certification mark. This is how you support good working conditions and fair wages. Find out about the different fair trade certification mark criteria.
Donate: Donate clothes, toys, books, blankets and sleeping bags to social organizations for the homeless, refugees or the needy.
Awareness: Find out how much money you have compared to the world population. E.g., the World Bank is a good data source. Try to spot precarious living conditions in you local environment.