Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people. Psalms‬ ‭82‬:‭3-4‬ NLT

Providing aid, equity and justice is a defining characteristic of God’s servants.  Moses served as a deliverer to an enslaved nation.  Joseph provided relief to a world in famine.  And, Jesus reached out to suffering lepers; deaf, dumb and blind unacceptables and paralytic outcasts.  

God’s tenderness teaches us to touch others with tenderness.  

God’s compassion becomes our calling.

God’s mercy becomes our mandate.  

In writing to his students regarding Psalm 82, Spurgeon encouraged them, “Break the nets of the man catchers, the legal toils, the bonds, the securities, with which cunning men capture and continue to hold in bondage the poor and the embarrassed”.

The psalmist petitioned God and prompts us . . . to be compassionate, to care and to come alongside.

Our God Is In Control.  

The psalmist wrote, “God has taken His place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods He holds judgment.” (‭Ps 82‬:‭1‬ ESV)  Our God opposes those who are oppressors . . . He rules over those who are ruthless . . . He is soveriegn over those who strike with suffering.  In his teaching of Psalm 82, James Mead notes, “The psalm asserts the supreme authority of God over every supernatural power”.  He is victorious over sin, over suffering and over slavery.  He sets us free.  Jesus tells us, “So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” (‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭36‬ NLT)  

Our God is in control . . . we proclaim His good news.

Our God Cares.  

Paul reminds us, “For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And He gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation.” (‭2 Cor 5‬:‭19‬ NLT)  Jesus tells those who are wandering of His own caring love, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (‭Matt‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬ NLT)  Paul tells the Christ-followers in Galatia of his instructions from his co-laborers and fellow shepherds, “Their only suggestion was that we keep on helping the poor, which I have always been eager to do.” (‭Gal‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬ NLT)  And, the apostle encourages us, “Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.” (‭Gal‬ ‭6‬:‭10‬ NLT)  

Our God cares . . . we perform His good work.

Jehovah God provides inspirational instruction through the prophet Isaiah, “Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.” (‭Isaiah‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ NLT)

Entrepreneur and author Olawale Daniel writes, “This world is weird, if we don’t show compassion, who will?”

As we perform His good work . . . giving help to those who need help, giving hope to those who are hopeless, giving healing to to those who are hurt . . . we also proclaim His GOOD NEWS . . . and that makes a difference!