Huduma ya Kichungaji, Uinjilisti na Misheni ya Ulimwengu ya Kiwesley — Sehemu ya 6: Huduma ya Huruma: Maskini, Wagonjwa na HakiWesleyan Pastoral Ministry, Evangelism, and Global Missions — Unit 6: Compassionate Ministry: The Poor, the Sick, and Justice

Mstari MkuuKey Verse

"Ameku-onyesha, Ee binadamu, yaliyo mema; naye Bwana anataka nini kwako, ila kutenda haki, na kupenda rehema, na kwenda kwa unyenyekevu na Mungu wako?" (Mika 6:8, SUV)"He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8, NKJV)

Malengo ya KujifunzaLearning Objectives

Ukimaliza kipindi hiki, utaweza:When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

1. Kueleza kwa nini Wawesley huona matendo ya huruma kuwa sehemu ya utakatifu na si mradi tofauti.1. Explain why Wesleyans see works of mercy as part of holiness and not as a separate project.

2. Kueleza aina tatu za kazi ya huruma ambazo John Wesley aliziongoza: utunzaji wa maskini, utunzaji wa wagonjwa, na vita dhidi ya utumwa.2. Describe three kinds of compassionate work that John Wesley led: care for the poor, care for the sick, and the fight against slavery.

3. Kueleza kanuni tatu za Wesley kuhusu fedha na kuzitumia kwa kanisa la mahali.3. Explain Wesley's three rules about money and apply them to a local church.

4. Kutaja pingamizi kuu dhidi ya huduma ya huruma ya Kiwesley, kutoka kushoto na kulia, na kutoa jibu la Kiwesley.4. State the main objections to Wesleyan compassionate ministry, from both the left and the right, and give the Wesleyan answer.

5. Kupanga jibu rahisi na la kweli kwa uhitaji katika jamii maskini, huku ukiweka huruma na injili pamoja.5. Plan a simple, realistic response to need in a poor community, keeping compassion and the gospel together.

Sauti ya Kozi HiiThe Voice of This Course

Kozi hii imeandikwa kutoka ndani ya mapokeo ya Kiwesley ya kiinjili, kwa ajili ya wachungaji walio ndani yake au wanaotaka kuyaelewa. Tunashikilia kwamba Biblia ni mamlaka ya mwisho yaliyopuliziwa kwa imani na maisha. Tunaposema "sisi," tunamaanisha makanisa ya Wesleyan-Holiness (Wesley na Utakatifu) na Wamethodisti wa kiinjili. Baadhi ya mashirika ya Methodisti yameondoka kutoka mtazamo huu wa Maandiko. Tunasema hivyo kwa uaminifu, lakini hatuwafuati. Maandiko yanasema, "Jaribuni mambo yote; mkaayo yaliyo mema" (1 Wathesalonike 5:21). Pale Wakristo wengine wasipokubaliana nasi, tunaeleza mtazamo wao kwa haki kisha tunatoa jibu letu.This course is written from inside the evangelical Wesleyan tradition, for pastors who belong to it or want to understand it. We hold that the Bible is the inspired and final authority for faith and life. When we say "we," we mean the Wesleyan-Holiness churches and the evangelical Methodists. Some Methodist bodies have moved away from this view of Scripture. We say so honestly, but we do not follow them. Scripture says, "Test all things; hold fast what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Where other Christians disagree with us, we state their view fairly and then give our answer.

Kwa Nini Kipindi Hiki Kina Umuhimu KwakoWhy This Unit Matters for You

Wanafunzi wengi wa CTS hutumikia mahali ambapo uhitaji uko karibu na wa kila wakati. Mchungaji hawezi kuhubiri upendo wa Mungu kwa familia yenye njaa kisha akageuza uso. Hata hivyo kanisa pia linaweza kupoteza ujumbe wake kwa kuwa wakala wa misaada tu. Jibu la Kiwesley ni kwamba utakatifu ni kumpenda Mungu na kumpenda jirani, na kumpenda jirani huchukua umbo la huruma.Many CTS students serve where need is close and constant. A pastor cannot preach the love of God to a hungry family and then look away. Yet a church can also lose its message by becoming only a relief agency. The Wesleyan answer is that holiness is love of God and love of neighbor, and love of neighbor takes the shape of mercy.

Utakatifu Unajumuisha HurumaHoliness Includes Mercy

Katika kozi za awali tulijifunza kwamba Wesley alifundisha ukamilifu wa Kikristo kama upendo mkamilifu (tazama Kozi 3, Vipindi vya 3 na 4). Upendo si hisia tu. Yesu alitoa amri mbili kuu: mpende Mungu kwa moyo wote, na mpende jirani yako kama nafsi yako (Mathayo 22:37-40). Mtume Yohana anauliza upendo wa Mungu unawezaje kukaa ndani ya mtu anayemwona ndugu yake ana uhitaji kisha akamfungia moyo wake (1 Yohana 3:17-18). Yakobo anasema imani isiyo na matendo imekufa (Yakobo 2:14-17).In earlier courses we learned that Wesley taught Christian perfection as perfect love (see Course 3, Units 3 and 4). Love is not only a feeling. Jesus gave two great commandments: love God with all the heart, and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-40). The apostle John asks how God's love can remain in a person who sees a brother in need and shuts up his heart (1 John 3:17-18). James says that faith without works is dead (James 2:14-17).

Wesley aliliona hili waziwazi. Alizungumza kuhusu aina mbili za matendo mema. Matendo ya utauwa ni njia ambazo tunamkaribia Mungu: maombi, Maandiko, kufunga, Meza ya Bwana. Matendo ya huruma ni njia ambazo tunamtumikia jirani yetu: kulisha wenye njaa, kuwavika walio uchi, kuwatembelea wagonjwa na wafungwa, kuwafundisha wasiojua. Wesley alishikilia kwamba yote mawili ni njia ambazo Mungu hufanya kazi ndani ya muumini. Mkristo anayeomba lakini hatumikii kamwe amepungukiwa na kitu, naye anayetumikia lakini haombi vilevile. Utakatifu hukua pale mahali pa kukutana kwa hayo mawili.Wesley saw this clearly. He spoke of two kinds of good works. Works of piety are the ways we draw near to God: prayer, Scripture, fasting, the Lord's Supper. Works of mercy are the ways we serve our neighbor: feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and the prisoner, teaching the ignorant. Wesley held that both are means by which God works in a believer. A Christian who prays but never serves is missing something, and so is one who serves but never prays. Holiness grows in the meeting place of the two.

Picha anayoitoa Yesu katika Mathayo 25:31-46 ni nzito. Mfalme anasema kwamba kile kilichofanyiwa mdogo kabisa wa ndugu zake kilifanyiwa yeye. Ni lazima tulisome kwa uangalifu. Wafasiri hutofautiana kuhusu "walio wadogo kabisa" ni nani: watu wowote wenye uhitaji, au wafuasi wa Kristo wenyewe. Angalau, kifungu hicho kinaonyesha kwamba imani ya kweli huzaa huruma. Hatudai kwamba matendo hupata wokovu. Wesley alifundisha kuhesabiwa haki kwa imani peke yake (tazama Kozi 2, Kipindi cha 5). Lakini pia alishikilia kwamba imani iliyo hai hufanya kazi kwa upendo (Wagalatia 5:6), na kwamba wale wanaokataa huruma huonyesha imani iliyokufa.The picture Jesus gives in Matthew 25:31-46 is serious. The King says that what was done for the least of His brethren was done for Him. We must read this with care. Interpreters differ on who "the least of these" are: any people in need, or Christ's own followers. At the least, the passage shows that genuine faith produces mercy. We do not claim that works earn salvation. Wesley taught justification by faith alone (see Course 2, Unit 5). But he also held that living faith works through love (Galatians 5:6), and that those who refuse mercy show a dead faith.

Neno la Wesley kwa jambo hili lilikuwa "utakatifu wa kijamii" (social holiness). Hakumaanisha mpango wa kisiasa. Alimaanisha kwamba utakatifu hauwezi kuishiwa peke yake katika chumba cha faragha. Huishiwa kati ya wengine, na hunyoosha mkono kwa wengine.Wesley's word for this was "social holiness." He did not mean a political program. He meant that holiness cannot be lived alone in a private room. It is lived among others, and it reaches out to others.

Kanuni za Jumla na MaskiniThe General Rules and the Poor

Wesley alipopanga jumuiya za Methodisti, aliwapa wanachama wake Kanuni za Jumla mwaka 1743. Zilikuwa tatu: usifanye madhara, fanya mema, na hudhuria maagizo ya Mungu. Chini ya "fanya mema," wanachama walipaswa kuwapa wahitaji, kuwatembelea wagonjwa na wafungwa, na kulisha wenye njaa na kuwavika walio uchi kadiri ya uwezo wao. Mtu ambaye hakutaka kufuata kanuni hizi hakuweza kubaki katika jumuiya.When Wesley organized the Methodist societies, he gave their members the General Rules in 1743. There were three: do no harm, do good, and attend upon the ordinances of God. Under "do good," members were to give to the needy, visit the sick and imprisoned, and feed the hungry and clothe the naked as they had ability. A person who would not follow these rules could not stay in the society.

Huu ni ukweli muhimu kwa wachungaji. Katika vuguvugu la Methodisti wa mwanzo, huruma haikuachwa kwa watu waliokuwa na ukarimu kwa bahati. Ilikuwa sehemu ya nidhamu ya uanachama. Mkutano wa darasa (tazama Kipindi cha 3) ulikuwa mahali ambapo wanachama walitiwa moyo kuifanya na kuulizwa wanaendeleaje.This is a key fact for pastors. In the early Methodist movement, mercy was not left to people who happened to feel generous. It was part of the discipline of membership. The class meeting (see Unit 3) was the place where members were encouraged to do it and asked how they were doing.

Alichofanya WesleyWhat Wesley Did

Wesley hakufundisha tu kuhusu huruma. Haya ndiyo mambo makuu aliyofanya. Haya yameandikwa vyema katika Shajara yake na katika historia za Umethodisti wa mwanzo.Wesley did not only teach about mercy. Here are the main things he did. These are well-documented in his Journal and in histories of early Methodism.

Kuwatembelea maskini na wafungwa. Huko Oxford, Holy Club (Klabu Takatifu) iliwatembelea wafungwa na familia maskini (tazama Kozi 1, Kipindi cha 2). Baada ya 1738 Wamethodisti waliendeleza kazi hii. Wesley na wasaidizi wake walitembelea magereza London, ikiwa ni pamoja na Newgate, naye aliandika mahubiri, "On Visiting the Sick" (Juu ya Kuwatembelea Wagonjwa), akiwahimiza Wakristo wote kufanya wajibu huu.Visiting the poor and prisoners. At Oxford, the Holy Club visited prisoners and poor families (see Course 1, Unit 2). After 1738 the Methodists kept up this work. Wesley and his helpers visited prisons in London, including Newgate, and he wrote a sermon, "On Visiting the Sick," urging all Christians to do this duty.

Kusaidia kwa kazi na fedha. Katika miaka ya 1740 Wesley aliweka njia za kusaidia wanachama maskini. Miongoni mwazo ni mfuko mdogo ambao maskini wangeweza kukopa bila kuangamizwa na riba kubwa. Pia alijaribu kutafuta kazi kwa wasio nayo. Aliwaambia waumini matajiri waziwazi kwamba utajiri ni amana kutoka kwa Mungu na si mali ya kibinafsi.Helping with work and money. In the 1740s Wesley set up ways to help poor members. Among them was a small fund from which the poor could borrow without being crushed by high interest. He also tried to find work for those without it. He told rich believers plainly that wealth was a trust from God and not a private possession.

Kuwatunza wagonjwa. Wakati ambapo maskini wengi hawakuweza kumlipa daktari, Wesley alifungua zahanati London katika miaka ya 1740, ambapo maskini wangeweza kupokea dawa rahisi. Pia aliandika kitabu cha tiba za nyumbani kiitwacho Primitive Physick (1747). Tiba katika siku zake ilikuwa na mipaka, na baadhi ya ushauri wake haungefuatwa sasa. Tunasifu nia yake, si kila dawa. Kanuni iko wazi: mwili ni muhimu kwa Mungu, na kanisa linapaswa kuutunza.Caring for the sick. In a time when most poor people could not pay for a doctor, Wesley opened a medical dispensary in London in the 1740s, where the poor could receive simple remedies. He also wrote a book of home remedies called Primitive Physick (1747). Medicine in his day was limited, and some of his advice would not be followed now. We praise his motive, not every remedy. The principle is clear: the body matters to God, and the church should care for it.

Kufundisha. Wesley alithamini elimu kwa maskini, ili watu waweze kusoma Biblia. Kumsaidia mtu kujifunza kusoma ilikuwa kazi ya huruma na kazi ya kufanya wanafunzi.Teaching. Wesley valued education for the poor, so that people could read the Bible. Helping a person learn to read was both a work of mercy and a work of discipleship.

Kupinga utumwa. Mwaka 1774 Wesley alichapisha Thoughts upon Slavery (Mawazo Juu ya Utumwa), shambulio kali dhidi ya biashara ya watumwa na kuwashikilia watu utumwani. Alihoji kwamba hakuna sheria wala desturi inayoweza kulifanya jambo hilo kuwa sawa. Mnamo Februari 1791, siku chache kabla ya kufa, alimwandikia William Wilberforce kumtia moyo katika mapambano dhidi ya biashara ya watumwa. Wesley alielewa kwamba Maandiko hufundisha thamani ya kila mtu, aliyeumbwa kwa mfano wa Mungu (Mwanzo 1:27). Utumwa ulikana ukweli huo.Opposing slavery. In 1774 Wesley published Thoughts upon Slavery, a sharp attack on the slave trade and on the holding of people in bondage. He argued that no law or custom could make it right. In February 1791, only days before he died, he wrote to William Wilberforce to encourage him in the struggle against the slave trade. Wesley understood that Scripture teaches the worth of every person, made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Slavery denied that truth.

Kanuni Tatu za Wesley Kuhusu FedhaWesley's Three Rules About Money

Katika mahubiri yake "The Use of Money" (Matumizi ya Fedha), Wesley alitoa kanuni tatu rahisi: pata yote uwezayo, hifadhi yote uwezayo, na toa yote uwezayo. Kila kanuni inahitaji nyingine.In his sermon "The Use of Money," Wesley gave three plain rules: earn all you can, save all you can, and give all you can. Each rule needs the others.

Pata yote uwezayo. Wesley alikubali kazi ya uaminifu. Lakini aliweka mipaka. Mkristo hapaswi kupata kwa kudhuru afya yake mwenyewe au ya jirani yake, wala kwa biashara inayoharibu roho. Hakukubali kupata fedha kwa njia inayomkosea mtu mwingine.Earn all you can. Wesley approved honest work. But he set limits. A Christian must not earn by harming his own health or his neighbor's, nor by a trade that damages the soul. He would not earn money in a way that wronged another person.

Hifadhi yote uwezayo. Hakumaanisha kukusanya kwa pupa. Alimaanisha kuepuka upotevu, na kuepuka maonyesho ya ubatili na kiburi, ili kile kilichohifadhiwa kitumike kwa mema.Save all you can. He did not mean hoarding. He meant avoiding waste, and avoiding the display of vanity and pride, so that what was saved could be used for good.

Toa yote uwezayo. Hili ndilo lengo la hizo mbili nyingine. Wesley alifundisha kwamba sisi ni mawakili, si wamiliki. Kila kitu ni cha Mungu na tumekopeshwa.Give all you can. This is the aim of the other two. Wesley taught that we are stewards, not owners. Everything belongs to God and is lent to us.

Mafundisho haya ni mazuri kwa makanisa katika nchi yoyote. Kanisa la familia maskini bado linaweza kutoa. Mjane aliyetoa sarafu mbili ndogo alisifiwa na Yesu (Marko 12:41-44). Mchungaji katika eneo maskini haipaswi kuona aibu kufundisha kanuni hizi. Ukarimu ni ishara ya neema katika kila kiwango cha kipato.This teaching is good for churches in any country. A congregation of poor families can still give. The widow who gave two small coins was praised by Jesus (Mark 12:41-44). A pastor in a poor area should not be ashamed to teach these rules. Generosity is a sign of grace at every income level.

Mapokeo Baada ya WesleyThe Tradition After Wesley

Makanisa ya Utakatifu (Holiness) yalibeba wasiwasi huu mbele. Kanisa la Free Methodist lilianza mwaka 1860, kwa sehemu kwa sababu waanzilishi wake walipinga utumwa na uuzaji wa viti vya kanisani kwa matajiri. Walitaka viti viwe bure ili maskini wamwabudu kando ya tajiri. Wamethodisti wa Wesleyan walijipanga mwaka 1843 kwa kiasi kikubwa kwa sababu hawakukubali utumwa kanisani. (Hadithi hizi zinasimuliwa katika Kozi 1, Kipindi cha 7.) Mwaka 1895 Phineas Bresee alianzisha kanisa lake huko Los Angeles, ambalo likawa mzizi wa Kanisa la Nazarene, lenye wasiwasi maalum kwa wale ambao makanisa mengine yaliwapuuza.The Holiness churches carried this concern forward. The Free Methodist Church began in 1860, partly because its founders opposed slavery and the sale of church seats to the wealthy. They wanted pews free so that the poor could worship beside the rich. The Wesleyan Methodists organized in 1843 largely because they would not accept slavery in the church. (These stories are told in Course 1, Unit 7.) In 1895 Phineas Bresee began his congregation in Los Angeles, which became a root of the Church of the Nazarene, with a special concern for those that other churches overlooked.

Hatupaswi kujivuna. Wamethodisti wengi walishindwa kuhusu swali la utumwa, na makanisa katika kila zama yameshusha kipimo. Lakini kipimo chenyewe kinatoka katika Maandiko, na ni sahihi.We should not be proud. Many Methodists failed on the question of slavery, and churches in every age have lowered the standard. But the standard itself comes from Scripture, and it is right.

HakiJustice

Huruma hutoa kikombe cha maji. Haki huuliza kwa nini kisima kimekauka. Vyote viwili vimo katika Biblia. Manabii wanasema dhidi ya wale wanaowadanganya maskini na kupokea rushwa. Mika 6:8 huweka pamoja haki, rehema na unyenyekevu. Mithali 31:8-9 inatuambia tuwasemee wale wasioweza kujisemea wenyewe. Warumi 13 inafundisha kuheshimu mamlaka zinazotawala, na Matendo 5:29 inatukumbusha kwamba "imetupasa kumtii Mungu kuliko wanadamu."Compassion gives a cup of water. Justice asks why the well is dry. Both are in the Bible. The prophets speak against those who cheat the poor and take bribes. Micah 6:8 puts justice, mercy and humility together. Proverbs 31:8-9 tells us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Romans 13 teaches respect for governing authorities, and Acts 5:29 reminds us that we must obey God rather than men.

Hii ina maana gani kwa mchungaji? Tunapendekeza mipaka hii ya kivitendo.What does this mean for a pastor? We suggest these practical limits.

• Mchungaji aseme wazi Maandiko yanaposema wazi, kwa mfano dhidi ya rushwa, ukatili, unyonyaji wa wafanyakazi, ukatili dhidi ya wanawake na watoto, na biashara ya binadamu.• A pastor should speak clearly when Scripture speaks clearly, for example against bribery, cruelty, abuse of workers, violence against women and children, and the trade in human beings.

• Mchungaji asigeuze mimbari kuwa mkutano wa chama cha siasa. Kanisa ni la Kristo, na linashikilia watu wa vyama tofauti.• A pastor should not turn the pulpit into a political party meeting. The church belongs to Christ, and it holds people of different parties.

• Mchungaji afanye kazi na mamlaka za mahali inapowezekana, na ailinde kanisa lake lisitegemee nguvu yoyote ya kisiasa.• A pastor should work with local authorities where possible, and should protect his church from becoming dependent on any political power.

Pingamizi na MajibuObjections and Answers

Pingamizi 1: "Kanisa linapaswa kuhubiri injili, si kuendesha programu za kijamii."Objection 1: "The church should preach the gospel, not run social programs."

Baadhi ya Wakristo wahafidhina huogopa kwamba huduma ya huruma huvuruga mkazo juu ya roho. Wanatukumbusha kwamba Yesu alisema ufalme wake si wa ulimwengu huu (Yohana 18:36) na kwamba Paulo "sikuazimia kujua neno lo lote kwenu, ila Yesu Kristo, naye amesulibiwa" (1 Wakorintho 2:2). Wanaonya kwamba baadhi ya makanisa yalianza na utume wa injili na kuishia na utume wa kijamii tu.Some conservative Christians fear that mercy ministry distracts from the soul. They remind us that Jesus said His kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36) and that Paul "determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2). They warn that some churches began with a gospel mission and ended with only a social mission.

Jibu letu. Onyo ni la haki, na historia inalithibitisha. Lakini Maandiko hayaweki vyote viwili kinyume cha kila kimoja. Yesu alihubiri na pia aliponya na kulisha. Kanisa la kwanza lilishiriki mali zao (Matendo 2:44-45) na Paulo alikusanya msaada kwa maskini wa Yerusalemu (Warumi 15:25-27; 2 Wakorintho 8-9). Yakobo anaita dini safi kuwatunza yatima na wajane (Yakobo 1:27). Wagalatia 6:10 inasema, "Basi, kwa hiyo, tupatapo nafasi na tuwatendee watu wote mema; na hasa jamaa ya waaminio." Wesley alihubiri kwa ajili ya wongofu kuliko jambo lingine lolote, lakini pia alilisha na kuponya. Injili ni ya kwanza kwa umuhimu; huruma ni tunda lake na ushuhuda wake. Hatutaki kamwe kutoa mkate na kuzuia Kristo, wala kuhubiri Kristo na kuzuia mkate.Our answer. The warning is fair, and history proves it. But Scripture does not set the two against each other. Jesus preached and He healed and fed. The early church shared its goods (Acts 2:44-45) and Paul collected relief for the poor in Jerusalem (Romans 15:25-27; 2 Corinthians 8-9). James calls pure religion caring for orphans and widows (James 1:27). Galatians 6:10 says, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." Wesley preached for conversion more than any other cause, yet he also fed and healed. The gospel is first in importance; mercy is its fruit and its witness. We never want to give bread and withhold Christ, nor preach Christ and withhold bread.

Pingamizi 2: "Injili hasa ni kuhusu kubadilisha mifumo isiyo ya haki."Objection 2: "The gospel is mainly about changing unjust systems."

Baadhi ya Wakristo, wakiwemo wanatheolojia wa injili ya kijamii na wa baadhi ya aina za theolojia ya ukombozi katika Amerika ya Kilatini, hufundisha kwamba kiini cha injili ni ukombozi wa maskini kutoka dhuluma, na kwamba dhambi hasa ni ya kimuundo. Wako sahihi kuona kwamba Biblia inajali maskini na haki, na wengi wameteseka kwa ajili yake.Some Christians, including theologians of the social gospel and of some forms of liberation theology in Latin America, teach that the heart of the gospel is liberation of the poor from oppression, and that sin is chiefly structural. They are right to see that the Bible cares about the poor and about justice, and many have suffered for it.

Jibu letu. Tunakubali kwamba dhambi ina athari za kijamii na kwamba maskini wako moyoni mwa Mungu. Lakini Maandiko hufanya dhambi ya kibinafsi na hitaji la msamaha kuwa msingi kwa kila mtu, tajiri au maskini (Warumi 3:23). Yesu alikufa kwa ajili ya wenye dhambi, si kwa ajili ya tabaka. Tukipunguza wokovu kuwa ukombozi wa kisiasa, tumepoteza msalaba. Njia ya Kiwesley hushikilia yote mawili: kuzaliwa upya hubadilisha mtu, na watu waliobadilika hubadilisha familia, mahali pa kazi na jamii. Hivi ndivyo uamsho katika Uingereza ya Wesley ulivyowasaidia maskini wengi, si kwa mpango wa kisiasa bali kwa maisha yaliyobadilishwa, pamoja na msaada wa kimaadili na wa kivitendo.Our answer. We agree that sin has social effects and that the poor are on God's heart. But Scripture makes personal sin and need of forgiveness basic to every person, rich or poor (Romans 3:23). Jesus died for sinners, not for a class. If we reduce salvation to political liberation, we have lost the cross. The Wesleyan way holds both: new birth changes the person, and changed persons change families, workplaces and communities. This is how the revival in Wesley's England helped many poor people, not by a political program but by transformed lives, with moral and practical help.

Pingamizi 3: "Umaskini ni ishara ya dhambi, na utajiri ni ishara ya baraka za Mungu."Objection 3: "Poverty is a sign of sin, and wealth a sign of God's blessing."

Walimu wa injili ya ufanisi husema kwamba imani daima huleta fedha, na kwamba maskini hawana imani. Baadhi ya Wakristo wa kawaida hufikiri hivyo hivyo kimya kimya.Teachers of the prosperity gospel say that faith always brings money, and that the poor lack faith. Some ordinary Christians quietly think the same.

Jibu letu. Maandiko hayafundishi hivi. Ayubu aliteseka ingawa alikuwa mwenye haki. Yesu alisema, "Heri ninyi maskini" (Luka 6:20). Yule mtawala kijana tajiri hakuokolewa na utajiri wake (Marko 10:17-27). Paulo anaonya kwamba "kupenda fedha ni shina la maovu ya kila aina" (1 Timotheo 6:10). Mungu huwabariki watu wake na kutimiza mahitaji yao, na Wesley alifundisha kazi ya uaminifu na kuweka akiba kuwa mema. Lakini Wesley pia alionya kwamba utajiri ni hatari ya kiroho. Mchungaji hapaswi kamwe kumwambia muumini maskini kwamba umaskini wake unathibitisha imani dhaifu.Our answer. Scripture does not teach this. Job suffered although he was righteous. Jesus said, "Blessed are you poor" (Luke 6:20). The rich young ruler was not saved by his wealth (Mark 10:17-27). Paul warns that "the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil" (1 Timothy 6:10). God does bless His people and meets their needs, and Wesley taught honest work and thrift as good. But Wesley also warned that riches are a spiritual danger. A pastor must never tell a poor believer that his poverty proves weak faith.

Pingamizi 4: "Kuwapa maskini kunawafanya wategemee."Objection 4: "Giving to the poor makes them dependent."

Hili ni pingamizi la kivitendo, na mara nyingi ni kweli kwamba msaada usio makini unaweza kuwadhuru watu na kuharibu heshima ya mpokeaji.This is a practical objection, and it is often true that careless aid can hurt people and damage the dignity of the receiver.

Jibu letu. Wesley alikubali kwamba uvivu si fadhila, naye alifanya kazi kuunda ajira na kukopesha fedha. Paulo aliwaambia Wathesalonike kwamba yule asiyetaka kufanya kazi asile pia (2 Wathesalonike 3:10). Lakini Biblia hiyo hiyo inaamuru ukarimu. Jibu ni huruma yenye hekima: timiza uhitaji wa haraka mara moja, kisha usaidie watu kuelekea kazi, ujuzi na heshima, huku kanisa la mahali likitembea kando yao.Our answer. Wesley agreed that idleness is not a virtue, and he worked to create jobs and lend money. Paul told the Thessalonians that the one who will not work should not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10). But the same Bible commands generosity. The answer is wise mercy: meet urgent need at once, and then help people toward work, skill and dignity, with the local church walking beside them.

Matumizi ya KichungajiPastoral Application

Mvua nzito inafurika mtaa maskini. Familia tatu kutoka kanisani mwako zinapoteza nyumba zao, na vilevile majirani kadhaa wasiohudhuria kanisa lolote. Hazina ya kanisa lako ni ndogo. Viongozi wako hawakubaliani. Mmoja anasema, "Ni lazima tuhifadhi fedha zetu kwa ajili ya mfuko wa jengo." Mwingine anasema, "Tutoe kila kitu na kumtumaini Mungu."Heavy rains flood a poor neighborhood. Three families from your congregation lose their homes, and so do several neighbors who do not attend any church. Your church treasury is small. Your leaders disagree. One says, "We must save our money for the building fund." Another says, "Let us give everything and trust God."

Mchungaji mwenye hekima anaweza kuendelea kwa hatua.A wise pastor can proceed in steps.

Kwanza, timiza uhitaji wa haraka. Chakula, maji, nguo kavu na makazi vinatangulia hotuba. Waombe viongozi wafungue nyumba za kanisa na nafasi ya kanisa mara moja.First, meet the urgent need. Food, water, dry clothing and shelter come before speeches. Ask the leaders to open church homes and church space at once.

Pili, fanya tathmini kwa uaminifu. Nani ameathirika? Washiriki wanaweza kutoa nini? Nani anaweza kupanga? Weka kumbukumbu rahisi ya fedha zilizopokelewa na kutumika, ili hakuna anayeshuku uaminifu wako.Second, take stock honestly. Who has been affected? What can members give? Who can organize? Keep a simple record of money received and spent, so no one doubts your honesty.

Tatu, watumikie majirani pia. Wagalatia 6:10 huweka waumini kwanza lakini si peke yao.Third, serve the neighbors too. Galatians 6:10 puts believers first but not alone.

Nne, sema juu ya Kristo na wale unaowasaidia, kwa upole na si kama bei ya msaada. Ombeni pamoja nao, waalike kanisani, na uwe tayari kusikiliza.Fourth, speak of Christ with those you help, with gentleness and not as a price for the help. Pray with them, invite them to the church, and be ready to listen.

Tano, fikiria zaidi ya juma la kwanza. Zungumza na mamlaka za mahali kuhusu mifereji ya maji na ujenzi salama, kama haki inavyodai. Panga ujenzi upya huku familia zikifanya kazi wanayoweza.Fifth, think beyond the first week. Talk to the local authorities about drainage and safe building, as justice requires. Plan for rebuilding with the families doing the work they can.

Sita, pinga ncha zote mbili. Fundisha kanuni tatu na umruhusu kila mshiriki atoe kile awezacho, hata kiwe kidogo.Sixth, resist both extremes. Teach the three rules and let each member give what he or she can, however small.

MuhtasariSummary

Kwa Wesley, utakatifu ni upendo mkamilifu, na kumpenda jirani huchukua umbo la huruma. Alifundisha kwamba matendo ya huruma, pamoja na matendo ya utauwa, ni njia ambazo Mungu hufanya kazi ndani ya waumini. Kanuni za Jumla za 1743 zilifanya kutenda mema kuwa sehemu ya uanachama wa Methodisti. Wesley aliwatembelea wafungwa na maskini, alifungua zahanati, aliwasaidia wanachama maskini kwa fedha na kazi, alithamini elimu, na alipinga utumwa katika Thoughts upon Slavery (1774) na katika barua yake ya mwisho kwa Wilberforce mwaka 1791. Mahubiri yake "The Use of Money" yanatoa kanuni tatu: pata yote uwezayo, hifadhi yote uwezayo, na toa yote uwezayo. Makanisa ya Utakatifu yaliendeleza kazi hii, kama katika msimamo wa Free Methodist wa viti vya bure na dhidi ya utumwa, na huduma ya Bresee miongoni mwa maskini huko Los Angeles. Tunawajibu wale wanaosema kanisa linapaswa kuhubiri tu, wale wanaosema injili ni ukombozi wa kijamii tu, wale wanaounganisha fedha na imani, na wale wanaoogopa utegemezi. Njia ya Kiwesley huweka injili kwanza na huruma kama tunda lake.For Wesley, holiness is perfect love, and love of neighbor takes the shape of mercy. He taught that works of mercy, together with works of piety, are means through which God works in believers. The General Rules of 1743 made doing good a part of Methodist membership. Wesley visited prisoners and the poor, opened a dispensary, helped poor members with funds and work, valued education, and opposed slavery in Thoughts upon Slavery (1774) and in his last letter to Wilberforce in 1791. His sermon "The Use of Money" gives three rules: earn all you can, save all you can, and give all you can. The Holiness churches continued this work, as in the Free Methodist stand for free pews and against slavery and Bresee's ministry among the poor in Los Angeles. We answer those who say the church should only preach, those who say the gospel is only social liberation, those who link money with faith, and those who fear dependency. The Wesleyan way keeps the gospel first and mercy as its fruit.

Usomaji ZaidiFurther Reading

• John Wesley, mahubiri "The Use of Money" (Matumizi ya Fedha), "On Visiting the Sick" (Juu ya Kuwatembelea Wagonjwa), na "The Good Steward" (Wakili Mwema).• John Wesley, sermons "The Use of Money," "On Visiting the Sick," and "The Good Steward."

• John Wesley, Thoughts upon Slavery (Mawazo Juu ya Utumwa) (1774).• John Wesley, Thoughts upon Slavery (1774).

• John Wesley, Primitive Physick (Tiba ya Awali) (1747).• John Wesley, Primitive Physick (1747).

• John Wesley, "The Nature, Design, and General Rules of the United Societies" (Asili, Kusudi na Kanuni za Jumla za Jumuiya Zilizoungana) (1743).• John Wesley, "The Nature, Design, and General Rules of the United Societies" (1743).

• John Wesley, Journal (Shajara).• John Wesley, Journal.

• John Wesley, Notes on the New Testament (Maelezo juu ya Agano Jipya), kuhusu Mathayo 25 na Yakobo 2.• John Wesley, Notes on the New Testament, on Matthew 25 and James 2.

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