Toward a More Humane Future is a devotional study on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for use by individuals or groups.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 1
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
Scripture
In everything do to others as you would have them do to you, for this is the law and the prophets.
Matthew 7:12
Reflection
- How do we act towards one another as Jesus calls us when many of our brothers and sisters thousands of miles away are in need, and suffering?
- How do we act towards one another as Jesus calls us when many of our brothers and sisters next door are in need and suffering?
When we learn of injustice and oppression in our cities, or in foreign lands, how should we respond? - Think of ways that, by story and example, Jesus taught us to “do to others as you would have them do” to us. What might that lead you to do?
Action
- Learn about the work of the Compassion, Peace and Justice Ministries and how you and your congregation can become involved.
- Discuss partnering with a mission network church or partner a troubled area overseas and see how your congregation can help with relief work in that area through prayer, political action, financial support, or education efforts.
- Offer services to local community relief agencies that help your neighbors close to home at soup kitchens, homeless shelters, clothing distributions centers and after-school facilities.
- Find opportunities for advocacy from the Office of Public Witness.
- Use the Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study to learn about how your financial gifts and prayers support our mission partners around the globe.
Prayer
God of compassion, help us live out your Word.
Open our eyes to sisters and brothers in need in our world,
both far away and close to home.
Help us stand together
that all your children might have
dignity, security, health and peace of mind
and experience the joy of your creation
free from misery, poverty and oppression.
We pray these things through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
With thanks to Ellen Clark Clemot