By Barron Greenwalt, Pastor at En-Joy Ministries | May 22, 2025

At En-Joy Ministries, we believe that God’s heart beats for the hurting, the marginalized, and the needy—and He calls us to share in His compassion. In a culture that often chases wealth, status, and self-interest, Christians are called to a higher purpose: to love others through selfless service and giving. The Bible offers clear guidance on this calling, urging us to reflect God’s love by caring for those in need, no matter their circumstances.

God’s Heart for the Vulnerable

Scripture reveals God’s deep concern for the poor and oppressed. In Psalm 140:12, we read, “I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.” God is not indifferent to those who are struggling; He is their advocate, their defender, and their provider. As His people, we are invited to join Him in this mission of love and justice.

Jesus modeled this heart of compassion throughout His ministry. In Matthew 22:37–39, He taught that the greatest commandments are to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” and to “love your neighbor as yourself.” This love is not selective—it extends to everyone, especially those society overlooks. At En-Joy Ministries, we strive to live out this command by serving our community with open hearts and hands.

Serving the “Least of These”

In Matthew 25:40, Jesus delivers a powerful truth: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me.” This verse comes from the parable of the sheep and the goats, where Jesus describes the final judgment. The righteous are those who fed the hungry, clothed the naked, cared for the sick, and visited the imprisoned. Their acts of service were not just kind deeds—they were acts of worship, done unto Christ Himself.

This teaching challenges us to see Jesus in every person we encounter, especially those in need. Whether it’s providing a meal, offering a warm coat, or simply listening to someone who feels forgotten, every act of kindness matters. At En-Joy Ministries, we are committed to creating opportunities for our community to serve the “least of these” through outreach programs, partnerships, and acts of compassion.

The Good Samaritan: A Model of Costly Love

The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30–37) offers a vivid picture of what it means to love our neighbor. In the story, a man is beaten and left for dead on the side of the road. While religious leaders pass by, a Samaritan—a man from a despised cultural group—stops to help. He tends to the man’s wounds, pays for his care, and ensures his recovery, sacrificing his time, energy, and money.

Jesus concludes the parable with a simple yet profound command: “Go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37). The Samaritan’s actions show us that loving our neighbor means crossing social, cultural, and economic divides. It means helping those who have nothing to offer in return and doing so without expecting recognition. This kind of love stands in stark contrast to our culture’s tendency to favor the rich and powerful, often ignoring the poor because they lack influence or resources.

A Countercultural Call

Today’s world often celebrates wealth, fame, and power, assuming that those with resources will use them for good. Yet Scripture warns against showing partiality to the rich while neglecting the poor. James 2:1–4 cautions, “My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism… If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, ‘Here’s a good seat for you,’ but say to the poor man, ‘You stand there’ or ‘Sit on the floor by my feet,’ have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?”

As followers of Christ, we are called to a different standard. We are to love without prejudice, serve without expecting reward, and give generously, even when it costs us time, energy, or convenience. This is the heart of the gospel—a love that reflects the sacrificial love of Jesus, who gave everything for us.

Additional Biblical Encouragement

The Bible is filled with examples of God’s call to care for the needy. In Isaiah 58:10, God promises, “If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” When we pour ourselves out for others, God uses our service to bring light to the world and transform our own hearts.

The early church also modeled this radical generosity. In Acts 4:32–35, we see believers sharing everything they had so that “there were no needy persons among them.” Their unity and selflessness ensured that everyone’s needs were met, reflecting the kingdom of God in action.

A Call to Action for En-Joy Ministries

At En-Joy Ministries, we are passionate about living out this biblical call to love the needy. Whether through our food drives, community outreach, or partnerships with local organizations, we invite you to join us in serving those who need it most. Here are a few ways you can get involved:

• Volunteer: Serve at our next outreach event to provide meals or resources to those in need.
• Give: Support our ministry’s efforts to care for the vulnerable in our community.
• Pray: Lift up those who are struggling, asking God to meet their needs and use us as His hands and feet.

Let’s commit to reflecting God’s heart by loving our neighbors—especially the needy—with the same love Christ has shown us. As we do, we not only meet practical needs but also point others to the hope and love of Jesus.

“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done” (Proverbs 19:17). Let’s go and do likewise together.