In the christian tradition, concern for the poor is advanced by individual and common action, works of charity, efforts to achieve a more just social order, the practice of virtue, and the pursuit of justice in our own lives. It requires action to confront structures of injustice that leave people poor.

True development cannot consist in the simple accumulation of wealth and in the greater availability of goods and services, if this is gained at the expense of the development of the masses, and without due consideration for the social, cultural and spiritual dimensions of the human being.

Contemporary Issues

An important question that the Christian needs to ask when considering any moral issue is: “What is the will of God concerning this particular issue?” If we are directly involved in personal decisions regarding the issue, we should ask, “What is the will of God for me concerning this issue?” The ultimate responsibility is ours personally for the decisions we make. Others can advise and help, but we must finally make up our own minds.

God has a purpose concerning all aspects of the life of the idividual and the world. Some speak of the perfect will of God and the permissive will of God. Another distinction that can be helpful is between the intentional and the circumstantial will of God. At times our choice is not between an unmixed good and an unmixed evil, but is in the mixed area so that whatever choice is made, it is likely to involve some evil. When this seems to be true, our choice should be the lesser-of-two evils or the greater-of-two goods.

In discerning the will of God, we should consider seriously the teachings of the church. We should search the Scriptures for any light, direct or indirect, on the particular issue. Also, we should pray that the Holy Spirit will give us the sense of direction we need.

The final responsibility for the decision on any issue of life is personal. This is the right and the responsibility of the child of God. This is true of our position on social issues in general and also on moral issues with which we are directly involved. Each of us is accountable to God for all our choices, for all our words (Matt. 12:36) and deeds (Rom. 2:6; 2 Cot. 5:10).