Written by Rev Dr Kathy Eddie, Wesleyann Community Care CEO
A Faith That Acts: Loving the Least of These
For followers of Jesus, faith is not simply an inner belief or private conviction. It is a way of life that overflows in tangible love for others—especially for those who are vulnerable, overlooked, or on the margins. Scripture repeatedly calls God’s people to put their faith into action, and the Christian story throughout history is one of communities embodying this call through sacrificial service, advocacy, and friendship.
God Commands It
From the earliest laws given to Israel, God’s people were instructed to care for the poor and the foreigner. In Leviticus 19:9–10, farmers are told to leave the edges of their fields unharvested so that those in need can gather food with dignity. Psalm 82:3–4 calls us to “defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” Isaiah 61:1 points to God’s mission of proclaiming good news to the poor, binding up the broken-hearted, and bringing freedom to captives. And in Romans 12:20, Paul urges believers to respond to enemies with kindness: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.”
John Wesley put it directly: “Whether they will finally be lost or saved, you are expressly commanded to feed the hungry and clothe the naked. Though it is God only who changes hearts, yet He generally does it by man.”
Jesus Demonstrates It
Jesus didn’t merely teach about love for the vulnerable—He lived it. He touched lepers, welcomed children, engaged with outcasts, defended the powerless, and broke down cultural barriers to extend dignity and grace. His ministry model shows us that care for the vulnerable is not an optional extra but central to the Kingdom of God.
The Church Has Always Done This
Throughout history, Christians have been at the forefront of caring for the vulnerable: founding hospitals and schools, advocating for justice, offering refuge, and building communities where people could flourish. This long legacy is not about charity alone but about embodying God’s love in practical, relational ways.
An Outpouring of God’s Love
Ultimately, the call to love “the least of these” flows from God’s love for us. We act not out of obligation, but as a natural outpouring of grace received. As recipients of mercy, we become agents of mercy.
Flourishing Communities
God’s vision is for human flourishing—a life of well-being, meaning, purpose, and service. Flourishing goes beyond survival; it is about thriving. The presentation highlights five dimensions of flourishing:
· Holistic – addressing spiritual, emotional, physical, and social needs
· Empowering and self-determined – enabling people to make their own choices
· Relational and communal – rooted in belonging and connection
· Resilient – fostering strength in adversity
· Just and advocating – standing with and for the vulnerable
Partnering with Others
No single church or organisation can do this alone. A key question for communities is: “Who is working to achieve God’s purposes in your community?” Strategic partnerships between churches, community organisations, and local groups can amplify impact and ensure holistic care.
Practical Ways to Support Flourishing
Faith in action begins with simple, relational steps. The Alongsider Approach offers a powerful framework:
· Friendship and genuine relationship
· Equality and solidarity—walking with, not doing to
· Caring with people rather than for them
· Maintaining flexible boundaries to allow authentic connection
This can be expressed through meeting physical needs—op shops, food banks, community meals, counselling centres, or homeless shelters—but it must go deeper than transactional help.
Becoming a Caring Community
Churches are encouraged to develop caring communities by reflecting on how their ministries are structured:
· Are vulnerable people welcomed and included?
· Are support processes upholding dignity, or unintentionally taking it away?
· Is support holistic—addressing multiple dimensions of need?
· Do people have genuine choice, or is it “one size fits all”?
An honest assessment of ministries can help churches move from well-intentioned charity to transformative, empowering community engagement.
Caring for the vulnerable is not an optional program—it is a core expression of God’s character and mission. By embodying biblical commands, following Jesus’ example, partnering with others, and creating caring, empowering communities, the Church can become a living sign of God’s Kingdom—where everyone has the opportunity to flourish.
