How can I help people who are dangerously vulnerable? - Vulnerability - TouchPoints

Genesis 9:22-23Ham, the father of Canaan, saw that his father was naked and went outside and told his brothers. Then Shem and Japheth took a robe, held it over their shoulders, and backed into the tent to cover their father. As they did this, they looked the other way so they would not see him naked.

Proverbs 23:10Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers; don’t take the land of defenseless orphans.

Those who are vulnerable are easy to take advantage of. We are to do what we can to “cover” those who are vulnerable, to protect them from being exploited.

Isaiah 58:7Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.

Job 6:14-16“One should be kind to a fainting friend, but you accuse me without any fear of the Almighty. My brothers, you have proved as unreliable as a seasonal brook that overflows its banks in the spring when it is swollen with ice and melting snow.”

We should help those who are vulnerable, restoring them to a stronger position. We do this by treating them with mercy, compassion, and kindness, and providing them with whatever resources we can.

Psalm 82:4Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people.

Proverbs 31:9Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.

God wants us to rescue the vulnerable so others cannot take advantage of them.

2 Timothy 3:6-9They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires. (Such women are forever following new teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth.) These teachers oppose the truth just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses. They have depraved minds and a counterfeit faith. But they won’t get away with this for long. Someday everyone will recognize what fools they are, just as with Jannes and Jambres.

Leaders are especially responsible to protect those who are vulnerable. As people with power and influence, leaders are in a special position to instruct, protect, and encourage those who are defenseless.