Helping the poor.

“Hate evil, and love good,
and establish justice in the gate;
it may be that the Lord, the God of hosts,
will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.” (Amos 5:15, ESV)
Yahweh used Amos to warn Israel about the tragedy that would soon befall the people as contrasted with their present life of ease. The Lord enumerated their specific covenant violations among which was their misuse of the legal system and the Mosaic Law to exploit and defraud the poor and needy. They were taking bribes and showing favoritism that deprived many of justice. In addition, they engaged in lying, cheating and theft of property. Amos let them know quite openly that they did not know God or appreciate His power. He called on them to seek justice and mercy for the poor or face the consequences.
These words of Amos serve to remind all Christians that the Lord desires we also seek justice for those who are poor, oppressed and cannot defend themselves. This means that we as individual believers should seek racial and ethnic harmony and not deprive any human being of justice and fair treatment. The church should show respect for all human beings regardless of race, gender or ethnic origin or even their particular sin or sins. This does not mean that the church must condone, ignore or redefine sin, because it cannot. The church is to be a place where all may find God’s love and mercy. Love confronts sin but also grants forgiveness for those who confess.