Scripture:

Acts 3:1-10

The Call to Confront Injustice and Serve the Marginalized

Do you remember the first time you encountered injustice? How old were you when you realized that the world was not fair? For me, it happened when I was four years old. I attended an in-home babysitter where my best friend, Benji, and I played together all day long. We were inseparable—singing, dancing, and sharing a seat at the table because we were both small.

But then, I overheard a comment that would forever shape my understanding of the world. Someone saw a picture of Benji and me and remarked to my mom, “I hope as she grows older, she makes different friend choices.” I was confused and asked my mom what the woman meant. My best friend Benji was African American, and that was the first time I learned that some people didn’t think we should be friends because of the color of our skin. It was my introduction to the reality of racism, and it left me confused and ashamed.

Recognizing Injustice and Racism

Until you experience or witness injustice, it’s hard to understand that it exists. At four years old, I became aware that people are sometimes judged based on superficial things like skin color or socioeconomic status. Injustice, racism, and poverty are not just societal problems—they are spiritual ones, rooted in the sin that entered the world and disrupted God’s intended order.

But there is hope. The church is meant to be the solution. We are called to run toward suffering, not away from it. We are to be advocates for the oppressed, a voice for the voiceless, and a source of healing for the hurting. This is our mission as followers of Christ—to love, think, and act like Jesus. The church isn’t just a place where we gather for worship and teaching; it is the movement of people who live out the gospel in tangible ways.

The Example of Peter and John

In the book of Acts, we see Peter and John embodying this call. On their way to pray at the temple, they encountered a man who had been lame from birth, begging at the city gate. Instead of walking past him, as they might have done before, they stopped. Perhaps the fresh teachings of Jesus were still resonating in their hearts, or perhaps the accountability of being together prompted them to act.

Whatever the reason, they didn’t just throw a coin his way or offer a quick prayer. They stopped, looked him in the eyes, and engaged with him. They didn’t have silver or gold to give him, but what they did have was far greater—they gave him Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the man was healed, and his life was forever changed.

This moment wasn’t just about meeting a physical need; it was about seeing the humanity in the man, building a relationship, and offering him hope and restoration.

Serving the “Least of These”

Jesus was clear in Matthew 25: when we serve the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the sick, or the prisoner, we are serving Him. The call to serve the marginalized is not optional—it is central to the Christian faith. We are all called to care for the “least of these” because in doing so, we reflect Christ’s love and serve Him directly.

However, serving isn’t easy. One of the biggest barriers is our desire for comfort. We love to be comfortable, don’t we? Especially during the cozy fall season, we gravitate towards all things that make us feel warm and content. But this desire for comfort can hinder our willingness to serve. True service often means stepping out of our comfort zones and moving toward the suffering in the world.

Moving Toward Suffering

Jesus didn’t avoid suffering—He moved toward it. And if we are to love, think, and act like Him, we must do the same. Serving the poor, the oppressed, and those on the margins of society requires sacrifice. It means giving up our own preferences, schedules, and sometimes our own comfort.

Like Peter and John, we might not always have material resources to offer, but we can still stop, engage, and offer the hope of Christ. Serving doesn’t have to be done in isolation either. In fact, it’s often best done in community. When we serve together, we can rely on one another’s strengths and gifts. The accountability of community empowers us to take bold steps of faith.

Building Relationships in Service

True transformation happens in the context of relationships. Serving is not just about meeting needs; it’s about seeing people—really seeing them—and building relationships with them. Peter and John didn’t just see a man begging; they saw a fellow human being deserving of dignity and compassion.

I’ve seen this kind of transformation firsthand in my own life. When my husband and I lived in Boston, we built a relationship with a teenager named Terrence, who had grown up in the foster care system. Over the years, through many “holy interruptions,” we helped him achieve his goals and watched him grow into a responsible adult. Today, he is married with children, and he will always be part of our family.

These kinds of relationships require time, energy, and sometimes a willingness to be uncomfortable. But they also lead to deep and lasting transformation—for both the one serving and the one being served.

Serving in Community: A Practical Approach

At our church, we have many opportunities to serve, especially through ministries like DC127, which focuses on foster care and adoption. When you serve, especially in a group, you get the chance to build genuine relationships with people in need and experience the power of God at work in your life and in theirs.

Additionally, serving should always be paired with Biblical justice. Micah 6:8 calls us to “act justly and to love mercy.” It’s not enough to offer temporary relief; we must also seek justice for those trapped in oppressive systems. We need to ask hard questions: Why are people homeless? What barriers keep people in poverty? Serving with justice in mind means we are not only addressing immediate needs but also advocating for systemic change.

Conclusion: A Rhythm of Resilient Faith

Serving the poor and marginalized is not an option for Christians; it’s a rhythm of a resilient faith. It’s how we live out the call to love, think, and act like Jesus. And it’s not just about giving handouts or feeling good about ourselves—it’s about seeing people, building relationships, and working toward justice.

As we step out of our comfort zones and move toward suffering, we embody the love of Christ in tangible ways. Serving may be disruptive and uncomfortable, but it is also one of the most powerful ways to bring the kingdom of God to earth as it is in heaven. Let’s commit to this rhythm of service, together, as a church community, knowing that as we serve others, we are serving Jesus Himself.


The above post is a summarized version of the full sermon. Please click the link below to watch the full message: