Living Out Justiceਨਮੂਨਾ

Radical generosity
‘So she let them down by a rope through the window, for the house she lived in was part of the city wall. She said to them, “Go to the hills so that the pursuers will not find you. Hide yourselves there three days until they return, and then go on your way.”’ (Joshua 2:15-16, NIV)
Reflect:
In Joshua 2:1-16, we are introduced to Rahab. A prostitute in Jericho, she made for an unlikely hero – but this story reminds us that God is a God of surprises.
Rahab’s heroic act? Hiding the spies that Joshua sent to view the land. She was not an Israelite, so her radical act of support was certainly not assumed. We learn that she had heard stories about their God and something in those stories had made an impact on her. Consequently, she lied to the king about the whereabouts of the Israelites and told him they had left the city.
To defy the king and to hide unknown spies required great bravery on Rahab’s part, but this was not an act undertaken solely in personal courage. It was an act of radical generosity, carried out in faith. She stepped outside of her comfort zone in order to live boldly and do what was right. She had been so moved by the stories of Joshua’s God – her heart had turned towards him – that she declared him as the Lord of Heaven and earth.
Daily Action:
In our church community, there was a woman who often came just to socialise. She would talk, laugh and share about life. One day she came in bruised, disclosing that her husband had hit her while he was drunk.
On this particular day, she didn’t need the usual talk and refreshment, she needed immediate action. Someone to help her stand and act in courage. Together, we secured her and her children’s safety. Later, as we journeyed with the family, we were able to see the husband enter a rehabilitation centre.
The path is not easy. There can be danger and pain, but our radical faith, in response to the radical love of Jesus, must compel us to act with radical generosity. Ask yourself: Where is my courageous faith leading me? Which paths must I walk to find the broken-hearted? In a society that prizes self-love and inner peace, am I still serving boldly?
Consider what steps you can take to serve a community or an individual that thirsts for love, peace, and understanding, particularly in a culture that values personal comfort above most things.
Prayer:
Lord, give me a faith that moves beyond fear and into action. May my heart be open to opportunities to serve others with courage and compassion, even when it costs me.
Inhale: Lord of refuge, make my faith bold.
Exhale: Let me act with courage and love.
ਪਵਿੱਤਰ ਸ਼ਾਸਤਰ
About this Plan

A series of daily devotional reflections on justice, written by women from around the Salvation Army world. Social justice issues are at the forefront of our minds these days. This collection of reflections on social justice is written by women around the world who have a passion and desire to help others in Christ’s name.
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