We live in an era when individuals, celebrities, corporations, and other institutions are increasingly discovering the value of giving back, social responsibility, cause marketing, and other forms of altruism. A diverse group of philanthropic leaders are admirably striving to make a difference in the world.

Why, we might ask, are so many men and women, representing a myriad of beliefs and religious faiths, motivated to help the oppressed and the less fortunate? “We all want to be treated fairly and respectfully,” co-authors Douglas Jacobsen and Rodney Sawatsky suggest in their book Gracious Christianity: Living the Love We Profess. “Thus, we should not be surprised to discover that what Christians see as good, proper, and laudable is often the same as what most other people see as good, proper, and laudable.”

Jacobsen and Sawatsky paraphrase Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, when they write: “‘No law forbids the character traits Christians value most, such as love, compassion, and kindness’ (5:22-23). While these virtues are distinctively Christian, Paul indicates that they are not uniquely Christian.”

While eternal salvation is obtained by faith—by God’s grace and not by our good works (Ephesians 2:8-9), Scripture conveys that helping the poor and needy is among the ways we can gain a deeper understanding of God’s heart. Building “a beautiful cedar palace does not make a great king!” the Lord said of King Josiah concerning Judah’s royal palace. But he, Josiah, “gave justice and help to the poor and needy, and everything went well for him. Isn’t that what it means to know me?” says the Lord (Jeremiah 22:15-16).

God has placed within human beings a desire to lift up the oppressed and needy. We can come to know Him better as we help others.