WORKS OF MERCY - RECLAIM
Before the Fall, Adam and Eve were completely naked. That is, they were able to be vulnerable in both body and soul without fear of being hurt. But with their decision to invite sin into the world, they also invited danger. Physical danger in the form of things like illness, infection, extreme natural elements, and conflict with other living beings. Also spiritual dangers in the form of various sins. Now it was possible for people to look at each other with selfishness and impurity. This meant that it no longer felt safe to be completely exposed to each other in body or heart. With sin came an introduction to the experience of fear and shame, and man even began to fear being vulnerable to God Himself.
Genesis tells us that after they sinned, Adam and Eve suddenly “knew that they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.” And they “hid themselves from the LORD God among the trees of the garden” (Genesis 3:7-8). God, of course, found them in their hiding place and immediately knew what they had done, but He asked our first parents anyway: “Where are you?” Adam answered: “‘I heard you in the garden; but I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid.’ Then God asked: ‘Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I had forbidden you to eat?’” (Genesis 3:9-10). God then proceeded to admonish Adam and Eve about what they had done and removed them from the Garden of Eden. But God did not send them out unprotected. Instead, “the LORD God made for the man and his wife garments of skin, with which He clothed them” (Genesis 3:20).
Notice how God doesn’t abandon Adam and Eve. Rather, He tells them openly about the consequences that will fall on them and their descendents because of their sin, and then demonstrates His continued care for them. Even His words of punishment include the hopeful first promise of a Savior (Genesis 3:15).
In the same way, we are invited through the works of mercy to love our neighbors who are struggling with physical and spiritual nakedness. God wants us to recognize their dignity as His children, even in their poverty or sinfulness, and help them to reclaim their identity as such. We are called to protect each other from vulnerability to danger in both physical and spiritual forms. Not by shaming each other, but through admonishment. To “admonish” means to express warning or disapproval to someone,” or “to give earnest advice or encouragement.” If we see someone who is exposed and vulnerable, we are called to step up and speak up in order to clothe them.
The clothes with which God calls us to cover ourselves are not just physical, but above all spiritual. Scripture uses the imagery of clothing in many places to describe how God wants us to protect our hearts and souls. Ephesians 6:10-17, for example, tells us to “put on the whole armour of God.” Colossians 3 says to put on “heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience...and above all love.” 1 Peter gives a word of advice directly to young people: “Likewise, you younger members, be subject to the presbyters. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another” (1 Peter 5:5). In many other passages we read about how Christians should be clothed “with righteousness” and other virtues. Romans 13 says to put on Christ Himself: “Let us then throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light… put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh” (Romans 13:12-14).
What does clothing the naked and admonishing the sinner look like in action?
Help those who experience literal lack of clothing. This can look like donating to a local charity that provides clothes for the homeless; giving to a long-sleeved shirt drive for farmworkers; donating a formal dress to a charity that helps underprivileged youth; giving baby clothes to a crisis pregnancy center, etc.
Help an older or younger person, or someone with a disability, with the task of getting dressed. You can help them put on a jacket, tie their shoes, put up their hair, etc.
Offer up the chore of washing, folding, and putting away laundry as a prayer and form of service for your family.
Encourage each other in modesty. Modesty is a virtue reflected not only in what we wear, but also in our attitude of heart. It is a recognition that our bodies are not meant to be covered because they are shameful, but rather because they are holy and worthy of being veiled in protection.
Express concern to a loved one if you see them doing something wrong or dangerous. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you deliver admonishment in a way that is not prideful or condescending, but rather truth spoken in love.
Speak up about injustice in the world and help take action to educate others about how God calls us to live and care for each other.
