Biblical Basis for Advocacy: God sees, hears, and proclaims freedom

God sees, hears, and proclaims freedom and hope to people affected by hunger, poverty, and oppression.

Throughout the Old Testament, God sees, hears, and responds to the cries of people who experience poverty and are vulnerable to exploitation and violence (Exodus 2:23-25; Leviticus 25; Deuteronomy 24:19-22; Isaiah 3:13-15). The Scriptures portray God as upholding the cause of those who are oppressed and providing for those affected by hunger and poverty (Psalm 146:5-9; Psalm 72; Proverbs 22).

Jesus came into the world in humble circumstances (Luke 2:7). Fulfilling the prophesies of Isaiah, Jesus preached good news to people affected by poverty—proclaiming freedom for prisoners, sight for the blind, and the release of the oppressed (Isaiah 61:1-2; Matthew 11:2-6; Luke 4:18-21).

Let us pray,

God of Freedom.

Help us to trust in your word that tells us
that you are on the side of those of us who are affected by hunger, poverty, and oppression, 

those of us who face exploitation and violence.

Give us courage to act with faith and trust in you.

In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen

This email is part of a series of reflections that come from Bread for the World’s Biblical Basis for Advocacy to End Hunger resource.