fighting with love

I recently attended a conference where I was able to learn from a panel of "experts" on justice and compassion. These are people who are on the front lines - doing the hard work of acting on behalf of those in need of a voice and a friend, as well as writing and speaking on their behalf to bring awareness to those not yet involved in this lifestyle.
Here are a few bites to chew on:

"You can't be greedy and fight against greed." - John Perkins

"There was a point when I realized that conversion was not only about my relationship with Jesus, but about conversion of the world and its institutions of injustice . . . We can't divorce justice from the Gospel." - Lisa Sharon-Harper

Jesus was God walking on earth, turning everything we are on its head. He was the ultimate hero for justice. And we are His followers. Should not our lives resemble His? Hanging out with sinners and poor people . . . establishing reconciliation where there is quarrelling and war . . . speaking out for children in need of a blessing . . . challenging the attitudes of the greedy and hypocritical . . . meeting the needs of the sinful with extravagant Grace . . . these are the actions that characterized His life. Are they the actions of Christ-followers?

I would say not always. I would even go so far as to say not often. Too often we are characterized by our desire to be blessed, our judgemental thoughts, words, and actions, and our need for power and control. And, my brothers and sisters, this must change.

"Lord, send revival, start with me . . " -Matt Redmond

Are you ready? Are you already in the midst of this battle? How has God called you to be a justice fighter?

Let us fight the powers and institutions of injustice, and let us use the foremost weapon that we alone carry: Love. May we be warriors of Justice every day. In our awareness, our words, and especially our actions. God has called us to it. Jesus has led the way. The Holy Spirit has and will continue to help us.

"This is the kind of fasting I have chosen:
Loosen the chains of wickedness,
untie the straps of the yoke,
let the oppressed go free,
and break every yoke.
Share your food with the hungry,
take the poor and homeless into your house,
and cover them with clothes when you see them naked.
Don’t refuse to help your relatives." -Isaiah 58:6-7 (GWT)