Christians agree that Scripture teaches that they should help the needy and bless our society. Paul states this overarching principle: “As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Gal. 6:10, NIV).
Loving the people in our society includes loving them by trying to reform societal structures that inflict suffering or injustice. Believers need to exercise whatever influence they have to accomplish these goals. After Christianity was legalized in the Roman Empire in the 4th century, Christian teachings led to the adoption of humanitarian measures such as banning the bloody gladiator battles and banning infanticide. Christian congregations helped the poor and redeemed citizens taken prisoner by Rome’s enemies. Faithful congregations have pursued social justice ever since.
If we can set up a food bank to help the hungry then we do it. If we can change laws that are causing poverty, then we do it. If we can gain political office without compromising Christ’s teachings, then we do it so that we can use our influence to promote justice in our society. And even if the majority of citizens are not Christian we can still promote general civic Christian principles such as honesty, equality, reason, wisdom, thoughtfulness, friendliness, humility, order, safety, lawfulness, due process, civic contribution, stewardship and concern for the needy. Many unbelievers support these virtues which allows us to work in harmony with them. It also opens the door to presenting the goodness of our faith to them.
Martin Luther King’s movement for African-American rights in the 1960’s was an excellent example of a Christlike approach to social change. He had appeal beyond the church because of the justice of his agenda. He embodied humility and meekness and spoke powerful words of wisdom which succeeded in producing change. On a smaller scale, the average believer can also contribute to social well-being by their small contributions to society in their neighborhood and in their occupation. Many believers are in occupations that contribute to the general social good which will be their greatest contribution to society. Believers should also try to produce promote justice in the organizations they work for; for example, a schoolteacher who protects other teachers from a tyrannical administrator is bringing the kingdom to her school. All these contributions are appreciated by most unbelievers and give us credibility with them.
In any case, we need to oppose social injustices. When we have the opportunity, we work for social justice to protect the poor and powerless, to preserve freedoms, for fair tax structures, for healthy public morality and to guard against the destructive designs of the rich and powerful. We should never forget that all humans are fallen and that many who gain economic power will try to magnify their wealth at the expense of others. Christians need to be a force for defeating such efforts. In all these ways we can “do good to all people.”
