Serving mankind

Hennie Symington

Then God said, “And now we will make human beings; they will be like us and resemble us. They will have power over the fish, the birds, and all animals, domestic and wild, large and small.”So God created human beings, making them to be like himself. Genesis 1:26-27

                        The Sovereign Lord has filled me with his Spirit.

                        He has chosen me and sent me

                        To bring good news to the poor,

                        To heal the broken-hearted,

                        To announce release to captives

                        And freedom to those in prison. Isaiah 61:1

Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them. Remember those who are suffering, as though you were suffering as they are. Hebrews 13:3

I was hungry and you referred me to a human rights group.

I was in prison and you prayed silently for my release.

I was naked and in your thoughts you wondered whether I was decent enough to attend a church service.

I was ill and you thanked God on your knees for your good health.

I was lonely and you left me on my own to pray for me.

You look so holy, so close to God, but I am still hungry – and lonely and out in the cold. (Words for Worship, 1986)

Over the centuries the Church has made its mark in many places where the dignity and humanity of people have been denied and trampled upon. For generations missionaries have travelled across the globe not only to preach the Word of God but also to establish schools, hospitals, homes to care for the needy. All over the word the church cares for the blind, the deaf, the orphaned, the widowed, the sick and the dying. Why? Because in the Christian faith it is the person that matters. As Christians we believe that each and every human being has inalienable worth as a person. Man, woman and child are all created in the image of God. If we accept this and live by this belief, we are called to free people and to do everything in our power to protect and care for them.

The moment we forget that all people are created in the image of God and are real people, not just souls or bodies, we lose sight of the person in need. But if we really care for others, we cannot help being concerned over their welfare.

Lord, forgive me when I see human needs in terms of a social issue and fail to see the person in need. Open my eyes and my heart so that you will become visible in my actions. Amen.