Holistic Impact: The Role of Individual Christians as Salt and Light in Poverty Alleviation

Abstract

We live amidst poverty and putrefaction of all kinds, especially with the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic. From Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:13–16, the foundational identity of Christians is to be salt and light of the world. However, living this identity remained a challenge to many. Through comparative analysis of various Christian approaches to poverty alleviation, this paper presents practical steps for individual Christians to adequately live out their mandate in a dark world characterized by abject poverty, discrimination, and injustices. The paper argues that while it is crucial for the church as a corporate body to put measures to alleviate poverty, individual Christians also have a critical role. Further, the paper samples the various responses of Christians vis-à-vis their mandate towards the depressed, the marginalized, and the poor—“the least of these”—and the dangers we run in limiting the text to cooperate with Christian bodies. Finally, the paper proposes practical steps individual Christians can take to lessen suffering and alleviate poverty.