Ministries of Mercy

As we think through mission planning, I want to highlight a book which I have found hugely helpful in my understanding. Ministries of Mercyis written by Tim Keller.  The opening section is based on the parable of the good Samaritan.  Each chapter gives a short overview, which I reproduce for you below.    Keller has also written Generous Justice, which is also very helpful... and probably slightly easier to read! Here is Kellers overview

• Mercy to the full range of human needs is such an essential mark of being a Christian that it can be used as a test of true faith.  Mercy is not optional or an addition to being a Christian,  Rather, a life poured out in deeds of mercy is the inevitable sign of true faith.

• The ministry of mercy is the meeting of "felt" needs through deeds.  As an agent of the kingdom, the church seeks to bring substantial healing of the effects of sin in all areas of life, including psychological, social, economic, and physical.

• The only true and enduring motivation for the ministry of mercy is an experience and a grasp of the grace of God in the gospel.  If we know we are sinners saved by grace alone, we will be both open and generous to the outcasts and the unlovely.

• Christians must give sacrificially, until their lifestyle is lowered.  However, giving must be in accord with calling and ministry opportunities.  Also, every believer must be a steward of possessions so as not to become a burden and liability to his or her family.

• As a priority, we should give to needy Christians both intensively and extensively, until their need is gone.  But we must also give generously to nonbelievers as part of our witness to the world.

• God's mercy comes to us without conditions, but does not proceed without our cooperation.  So too our aid must begin freely, regardless of the recipient's merits.  But our mercy must increasingly demand change or it is not really love.

• The ministry of mercy is not just a means to the end of evangelism.  Word and deed are equally necessary, mutually interdependent and inseparable ministries, each carried out with the single purpose of the spread of the kingdom of God.

There is a lot to chew over in what Keller says.  It is useful for us to reflect upon it and discuss all that he says.  But remember - this is not an issue to be debated, but the aim is to help us love our neighbour.  So don't just debate.  Do it!