Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker,
  but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
Proverbs 14:31

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Several years ago, I had a very encouraging conversation with a friend on the west side of Chicago. We were talking about life in the city, particularly he and his family’s experiences in a mixed-income, mostly under-resourced community. His faithfulness to people he knows and doesn’t know always moves me. He serves. He raises tough questions. He advocates. He weeps for and with people. He rallies for support. He gets his hands dirty. He humbly and boldly asks others to do the same. And he never gives up for the sake of the gospel or the poor in his neighborhood.

What I did not mention above is that my friend is black, and I am white. I also didn’t mention that he’s a pastor, and I am too. Why? When it comes to equality, I don’t need to point out these details. My friend and I are distinct and different, but in God’s eyes we are both His children—equal in our heavenly Father’s kingdom regardless of where we live or the color of our skin. During our conversation, we talked about racial reconciliation, and he graciously let me know we’re not at odds and don’t need to reconcile. But we also discussed that neither of us is off the hook when equal doesn’t add up around us, especially as followers of Jesus.

Anyone who believes that everyone is equal can easily breeze over Proverbs 14:31. I mean, I don’t actively oppress the poor or push people in need to the curb. Do you? Being with my friend, walking his streets, meeting his neighbors, and seeing his world more through his eyes than mine always helps me recognize the difference between equality and equity. Just because we’re theologically and legally equal doesn’t mean we have the same resources, privileges, and choices this side of heaven. And so, when equal doesn’t add up, I have a responsibility to lean into Christ and intervene on earth.

Next Steps

Today, you and I will have countless opportunities to see people as God sees them, and to notice where godly kindness can overcome oppression. If you’re up for it, this challenge requires a discerning eye and a generous hand. Will you join me in looking out for when equal doesn’t add up and champion equity instead? I wonder who God will guide you and me to serve today.