Engaging Social Justice with Jesus at the Center | Petra Anderson | Nov 16, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Heart for Justice and Compassion

God’s desire for justice and compassion is woven throughout Scripture, calling His people to reflect His character by caring for the poor and marginalized. Rather than focusing on outward acts or rituals, God invites us to partner with Him, to feel what He feels, and to act from a place of deep connection with His heart. Our engagement in social justice is not about doing things for God, but with God, as we join Him in His ongoing work of love and mercy in the world. [03:04]

Exodus 34:6 (ESV)
The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.”

Reflection: Where in your daily life do you sense God inviting you to notice and respond to the needs of the poor or marginalized around you, not out of obligation, but as a reflection of His own heart?

Day 2: Faith Expressed in Action

True faith is not just about words or religious rituals, but about letting God’s compassion move us to action. God calls His people to loose the chains of injustice, set the oppressed free, and share with those in need. When we act in this way, our lives become a light that breaks forth in a dark world, and we participate in God’s healing and restoration. [04:08]

Isaiah 58:6-8 (ESV)
“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.”

Reflection: What is one practical way you can move beyond words to tangibly serve someone in need this week?

Day 3: Comforted to Comfort Others

God is the source of all comfort, meeting us in our own struggles so that we can extend His comfort to others. Before we can truly be present to the pain of the world, we must allow God to fill us with His love and healing. Out of the overflow of His comfort in our lives, we are empowered to walk alongside others in their suffering, offering hope and compassion that originates with Him. [26:14]

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Reflection: Recall a time when God comforted you in a difficult season—how might you share that same comfort with someone facing hardship today?

Day 4: Seeing Jesus Among the Poor

Jesus identifies Himself with the poor and marginalized, teaching that whatever we do for “the least of these,” we do for Him. When we serve those in need, we are not just performing good deeds—we are encountering Christ Himself. This perspective transforms our approach to justice, moving us from charity to genuine relationship and presence, recognizing the image of God in every person. [27:49]

Matthew 25:35-40 (ESV)
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”

Reflection: Who in your community might Jesus be inviting you to see and serve as if you were serving Him directly?

Day 5: Presence Before Action

Before rushing to help or solve problems, God calls us to be present—to listen, to learn, and to share in the pain and stories of others. True compassion means entering into the suffering of others, allowing our hearts to be transformed and our actions to flow from genuine relationship. In this way, we reflect God’s own presence with us and become agents of His kingdom, bringing light and hope into dark places. [23:17]

Romans 12:15 (ESV)
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

Reflection: Is there someone in your life you can simply be present with this week—listening, empathizing, and sharing in their joys or struggles without trying to fix or solve?

Sermon Summary

God’s heart beats for the poor and marginalized, and as followers of Jesus, we are called to join Him in His work of justice and compassion. Living as exiles—people who are in this world but not of it—means our engagement with social justice must be rooted in God’s presence and love, not just in our own desire to do good. Rather than measuring our impact by the world’s standards or seeking quick fixes, we are invited to partner with God, to be present with those who suffer, and to let our actions flow from a deep connection with Jesus.

Throughout Scripture, God reveals Himself as compassionate and just, calling His people to reflect His character by caring for the vulnerable. This is not about performing for God, but about being with Him—joining Him where He is already at work. Our faith is meant to be expressed in action, but that action must be grounded in humility, gentleness, and respect, recognizing our own brokenness and need for God’s comfort. Only when we have received God’s love and healing can we truly offer it to others without burning out or becoming overwhelmed by the enormity of injustice.

Presence is at the heart of this calling. Whether it’s sitting with staff in Eswatini, sharing in the lives of families in Mexico, or simply being with a struggling neighbor in Vancouver, the invitation is to be with, not just to do for. Compassion—literally “to suffer with”—requires us to enter into the pain of others, to listen, to learn, and to allow our hearts to be transformed. In this way, we see Jesus among the poor and marginalized, and we catch glimpses of God’s kingdom breaking into our world.

We are not called to solve every problem or to be everywhere at once, but to be faithful where God places us, using the gifts and resources He has given. As we build relationships of trust, we move at the speed of the kingdom, aligning ourselves with God’s ongoing work of justice and restoration. This journey is not comfortable, but it is filled with both the sorrow of shared suffering and the joy of witnessing God’s shalom emerge in unexpected places. The invitation is simple but profound: to be present, to see Jesus in the faces of the poor, and to let God’s compassion flow through us.

Key Takeaways

1. Presence before action in justice work Before we rush to help or fix, we are called to be present with those who suffer. True compassion means entering into another’s pain, listening deeply, and allowing ourselves to be changed. This presence reflects God’s own way of being with us and is the foundation for any meaningful engagement in justice. [17:09]
2. Our brokenness fuels authentic compassion Recognizing our own brokenness keeps us humble and prevents judgment or superiority. When we allow God’s comfort to fill our wounds, we can offer genuine empathy and hope to others. Our ministry to the marginalized is most powerful when it flows from the healing we ourselves have received. [25:12]
3. See Jesus among the poor and marginalized Jesus identifies Himself with the hungry, the stranger, and the oppressed. When we serve and are present with the least, we are encountering Christ Himself. This truth transforms our motivation and gives sacred significance to every act of justice and mercy. [27:49]
4. Move at the speed of trust and relationship God’s kingdom advances not through grand gestures or quick solutions, but through relationships of trust. As we listen, learn, and build genuine connections, we align ourselves with God’s patient, persistent work in the world. This approach resists burnout and honors the dignity of those we serve. [29:43]
5. Faithful engagement is rooted in God’s initiative We are not called to everything, but to the specific opportunities God places before us. Our resources, gifts, and even our desire to help originate with Him. Faithful engagement means looking for where God is at work and being willing to join Him, even when it is uncomfortable or costly. [30:33]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:13] - Living as Exiles: Social Justice and Faith
[02:07] - With Jesus at the Center
[03:04] - God’s Heart for the Marginalized
[04:08] - Faith Expressed in Action
[05:10] - How Christian Justice Differs
[06:22] - Defining Social Justice
[07:08] - Wrestling with Injustice Locally and Globally
[08:12] - The Overwhelm and Complexity of Justice
[09:45] - Unhelpful Responses to Injustice
[11:32] - Engaging with Jesus’ Compassion
[12:28] - Not Just Doing Good, But Partnering with God
[13:17] - Practical Examples of Presence
[15:57] - Presence as Holy Ground
[17:09] - Helping Can Hurt Without Presence
[18:48] - Redefining Family and Community
[19:28] - Ministry in Mexico: Presence and Partnership
[20:28] - Trust and Dignity in Relationships
[22:31] - Local Opportunities for Presence
[23:17] - Compassion and Justice Intertwined
[24:06] - Four Central Invitations for Exiles
[25:12] - Receiving God’s Comfort to Give Comfort
[27:49] - Seeing Jesus Among the Poor
[28:45] - Glimpses of God’s Kingdom
[29:43] - The Speed of Trust
[30:33] - Called to Faithful, Not Exhaustive, Action
[31:31] - Holding Sorrow and Joy Together
[32:20] - Letting Go of Control
[32:52] - Reflective Questions for Engagement
[34:23] - Prayer for Compassion and Presence

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Isaiah 58:6-8 (ESV) — > “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.”

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV) — > “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

Matthew 25:35-40 (ESV) — > “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”

Observation Questions

In Isaiah 58, what does God say is the kind of “fasting” He desires from His people? What actions are included in this?
According to 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, what is the purpose of God comforting us in our troubles?
In Matthew 25, how does Jesus identify Himself with the poor and marginalized? What specific needs does He mention?
The sermon described “presence” as being with people rather than just doing things for them. What are some examples the speaker gave of this kind of presence? [[15:57]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think God emphasizes being present with the poor and marginalized, rather than just providing solutions or resources? [[17:09]]
The sermon says our own brokenness and need for comfort is important for authentic compassion. How does recognizing our own need change the way we serve others? [[25:12]]
Jesus says, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these… you did for me.” How might this truth change the way we view people who are suffering or on the margins? [[27:49]]
The speaker talked about “moving at the speed of trust and relationship” instead of rushing to fix things. What might be some challenges or benefits of this approach? [[29:43]]

Application Questions

The sermon challenges us to be present before taking action. Think of a situation where you wanted to help someone in need. Did you take time to listen and be present, or did you rush to fix the problem? How could you approach it differently next time? [[17:09]]
The speaker shared about recognizing her own brokenness and receiving God’s comfort before being able to comfort others. Is there an area of your life where you need to receive God’s comfort before you can serve others well? What might that look like for you? [[25:12]]
Jesus says we meet Him in the faces of the poor and marginalized. Who in your life right now might be “Jesus in disguise”? How can you be more attentive to His presence in those people? [[27:49]]
The sermon described building trust and moving at the speed of relationship. Is there someone in your life (neighbor, coworker, family member) who needs you to slow down and simply be present with them? What is one step you could take this week to build trust? [[29:43]]
The speaker mentioned that we are not called to solve every problem, but to be faithful where God places us. Are there specific opportunities or people God has put in your path that you might be overlooking? What would it look like to say “yes” to God’s invitation in that area? [[30:33]]
Compassion means “to suffer with.” Is there a situation or relationship where you have avoided entering into someone’s pain because it felt uncomfortable or overwhelming? What would it look like to take a small step toward being present in that pain? [[23:17]]
The sermon talked about holding both sorrow and joy as we engage with injustice. Have you experienced both sorrow and joy in serving others? How did God meet you in those moments? [[31:31]]

Sermon Clips

With Jesus at the center, our approach revolves about our heart attitude and motivations before God. Instead of asking how much good are we doing, or even are we doing the right thing? We need to ask first whether we are connected to God, to Jesus. We need to seek to feel what he is feeling, to do what he is doing. Our engagement with social justice has to originate in God's heart for the poor and marginalized. [00:01:51] (41 seconds) #CenteredInChrist

So engaging in social justice can overwhelm and paralyze us. We might just want to put our head in the sand. Or social justice issues can wear us out, burn us out. We want to help so much, but we realize we are losing strength as we are doing it. Or social justice issues can make us seek for quick solutions, without getting too deep into it, feeling too much pain. Or, and we see this sometimes on the news very well, it can put us into angry fight mode, and lo and behold, violence begets violence. [00:10:03] (56 seconds) #OvercomingJusticeBurnout

So as we are living as exiles in this world, we can, and often unfortunately do, respond in all these ways, in red, just like everyone else. Or, as faithful exiles, we engage in social justice with Jesus at the center. And that can make all the difference. We look where He is at work. We listen to where He invites us to participate, to operate in His presence, in His strength. We show compassion that originates in Him, and starts with knowing that we are loved, and then we can see His love for others. We major not on what we can do, but we major on what He is doing. [00:10:59] (67 seconds) #FaithfulExilesInAction

However, at the center of what God was asking of me and I believe of all of us as we engage in social justice was presence to be with and to that reflect his presence with us to others and enter into his presence with them. It was an invitation to holy ground, God being present and us being present to him and him being present to where we were going. [00:16:02] (34 seconds) #BeingWithNotDoing

Because we have to know helping can actually hurt when it is not preceded by presence, by asking questions. and even asking questions of the poor. You see, it was not so much about doing things for as much as being with, sharing, observing, learning, and through that, offering our gifts and allowing our hearts to be transformed closer to God's heart. [00:17:18] (35 seconds) #PartneringInPresence

Presence was expressed in partnering with those living in poverty as God partners with them blesses them with his presence in the midst of difficulty and pain. Because some of you might say well I could never go on a trip like this. Good news God might provide an opportunity for you to be present with the poor and marginalized right here in Vancouver. It's not that we need to be present everywhere. God asks us to be present somewhere. [00:22:06] (33 seconds) #CompassionThroughPresence

Now why am I talking so much about presence? It is because compassion and justice are closely connected. Compassion is the inner feeling of care and it literally means come with passion pain. It's our willingness to be present with others in their pain before we can truly engage in justice work. We need to connect with people's pain and needs before we help. [00:23:06] (38 seconds) #BrokennessAndGrace

Engaging in social justice as exile starts and ends with relationships of trust. Us trusting God's love for us as well as then trusting in his love for the poor and marginalized. Us engaging with the poor and marginalized through building trust, by being present, listening deeply, ready to learn. We are not coming as experts with our great ideas and solutions. Then we are moving in alignment with the kingdom of heaven as it pushes into the darkness of the world to bring light. [00:29:15] (47 seconds) #JusticeThroughRelationships

Participating in what God is doing for justice in this world won't be comfortable because encountering poverty and marginalization is never comfortable. It invites us to hold in tension, deep sadness like God's sadness around the injustice and the suffering in this world. And it invites us to share in the pain. And then at the same time we are invited to share in the deep joy around God's presence presence and his kingdom shalom emerging in the midst of a hurting world. [00:31:01] (48 seconds) #LedBySpiritJustice

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