ONE Sabbath Event
How do we help the poor? How do we change the life of someone in need so they no longer need our help? Isaiah says it’s acts of justice, mercy, compassion, sacrifice. The Hebrew term used to define any charitable endeavor is “tzedakah,” which can be translated by the word “charity” but literally means “righteousness” or “justice.” Charity is probably a misleading interpretation of tzadakah. Charity is something very familiar to us all. We hear someone is in need and we give some money or gifts to help. Charity is the first step in giving. Tzadakah is the second step. There is inspiration in Jesus statement: “No greater love does a man have than he lay down his life for a friend.” There is love and then there is a greater love. There is charity and then there is Tzadakahi.
We as Christians are all called to a higher love. A love that changes. A love beyond merely giving.
Communities of faith across the country are working together to bring a message of justice even beyond charity to every our neighbors. Wherever you are, ONE Campaign members are likely working hard to raise awareness, expand membership, and mobilize action somewhere near you in the fight to end extreme poverty. Please join us, and if you can, help organize your own ONE Sabbath event.
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