In the Bible, God speaks often of the poor and needy, and how He cares for them. One example is His provision for the poor of the “gleanings” from the corners of the field (Lev. 23:22). The Bible also contains stern warnings against those who oppress the poor (Isa. 10:1-3; James 5:1-6). As believers, we are instructed to give to the needs of the poor and speak up for the oppressed (Prov. 31:8-9, 3:27-28). However, though the care of the poor, and defense of the oppressed are biblical responsibilities they should never usurp our highest priority.
The highest priority of the church is to glorify God by making disciples of Jesus Christ; that is, the chief priority is gospel-focused, Christ-centered disciple making. We are called to bring the saving gospel to the lost and to edify the church. Therefore, two basic principles apply to what we may call mercy ministry.
First, we have a biblical responsibility to care for other believers, which is a priority over giving to the poor in general. The Old Testament law directed the covenant community of Israel to care for her own who were oppressed (E.g. Ps 10, 69). The priority of believers
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