Perspective #1: "Clothe yourselves with compassion." – The Apostle Paul

What keeps a poor person poor? Lack of money is the obvious first answer; lack of education or lack of opportunity might come next. But it's also important to learn that there is also a poverty mindset, a way of facing life that keeps people in poverty generation after generation. To transition from the culture of poverty to a more stable, self-sufficient life, people need the awareness and the skills to adapt to a new culture. This includes:

  • An orientation toward the future rather than survival for the day
  • A realization that they have choices, both in how they respond to circumstances and as they make decisions
  • A conviction that they can control their lives and have the power to change things

If these adjustments are not made, a narrow, fatalistic attitude prevails. Experience and environment reinforce it, and the cycle of poverty continues. "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." (Colossians 3:12). The Compassion by Command curriculum helps Christians explore the many resources that they have to carry out the will of God concerning the poor.

Perspective #2: "A Window of Opportunity"

As President Bush gave a speech at the National Religious Broadcasters annual meeting on the role of faith-based agencies, his comments carried truth for all Christians. "Rally the armies of compassion so that we can change America one heart, one soul at a time," said Bush.

"The role of government is limited, because government cannot put hope in people's hearts or a sense of purpose in people's lives," he continued.

The President went on to suggest bringing together "wealthy and caring congregations" with "churches in low-income areas that need help ... so we can achieve a more just and generous society."

Compassion by Command is a strategic tool for a strategic time. A window of opportunity is open to Christians who seek social justice. Compassion by Command is a curriculum that you can use to mobilize Christians to live out their faith and take advantage of this window of opportunity.

Perspective #3: "A Reflection of God Almighty"

Not quite jobless, but not quite "making it" — somewhere in between are the working poor, including more than one in five of the urban homeless.

Many make minimum wage ($5.85 an hour), yet this is far below poverty level for a family of three. A full-time minimum wage job grosses less than $1,000/month — take-home pay is much less.

Need for food aid continues to rise across the country. Housing costs have increased so much that families are faced with choosing between paying the rent and buying food. How does a hard-working single mom explain that choice to her children?

Perspective #4: "A Demonstration of love"

Bill Bright, the beloved founder of Campus Crusade, often told the story of the development of The Four Spiritual Laws. In presentations of the Gospel at that time, it was customary to begin with the fact of man's sinfulness. But God inspired Bill to put that truth in a larger context — the context of God's love. God's love is the motive behind His sacrifice for our sin.

The poor have hard circumstances in their lives — physically, emotionally, and financially. Just to say, "God loves you," without any tangible expression of that love, rings hollow on the streets of the inner city.

In Jesus' ministry, He effortlessly blended the speaking and the demonstration of love. Describing His ministry, Jesus said, "Go tell John (the apostle) what you have seen and heard." (Luke 7:20-22) Compassion by Command helps each of us to work out a practical blend of evangelism and compassionate care.