Christian theology beautifully embodies a central aspect of Christianity—love, compassion, and service towards all, especially those marginalized, vulnerable, and forgotten by society. The principles described can be found throughout the teachings of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Bible, particularly in the Gospels.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:12–14) portrays Jesus’ deep concern for those “lost” or in need, emphasizing the value of every individual and the relentless pursuit of love and grace towards them. The essence of this parable is in the shepherd’s celebration upon finding the lost sheep. It reflects God’s immense joy whenever a lost soul is found, or a needy individual is cared for.
This resonates strongly with the identification of Jesus with people experiencing poverty and the vulnerable. This concept is also clearly portrayed in the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46), wherein Jesus declares, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” This shows that the acts of kindness, love, and mercy Christians do for the vulnerable and the needy are as if they were done for Jesus.
The connection between the sacraments, like the Eucharist, and social justice underscores a key aspect of the Christian faith, encapsulating both the vertical relationship (between God and man) and the horizontal relationship (among humans). The Eucharist, embodying Christ’s sacrificial love and presence, is meaningless if that love is not manifested in the believer’s life through compassionate action towards those in need. The spiritual and practical faith journey connects believers with God and the world around them, especially those in need. The value Jesus places on this kind of service underscores the essential role of love and compassion in the Christian faith.
Seeing the face of Jesus in the poor and needy, and serving them as if they were Jesus, Himself, is a crucial part of Christian spirituality. This radical empathy and service aren’t just about charity but about pursuing justice, inclusivity, and dignity for all—exactly as Jesus did during His earthly ministry.
The central message of the Christian faith is love, service, and a commitment to social justice. It is a call to action for believers to go out into the world and reflect Christ’s love in their interactions with others, especially those marginalized and vulnerable.