Monthly Focus Areas
In Micah 6:8 God commands us to ‘act justly’; that is to treat all people fairly, to do the right thing, to pursue justice for the oppressed and marginalised, to speak out for those who are unable to speak out for themselves. To ‘love mercy’; to develop that heart of compassion and care for all people, especially those trapped by self or society. To get our hands dirty in a costly, personal way. And to ‘walk humbly with our God’; to cultivate that deep intimacy in our daily walk with Jesus so we see people as He does.
2026 is The Year of Merciful Justice at The Bridge Church. A year for us to be inspired by scripture to see people how Jesus saw people; to cultivate the same heart for every individual that Jesus had for every individual; to invite the Holy Spirit to open our hearts to feel that gut wrenching compassion for those in need. Not just to feel it, but do something.
Each month at church we’re focussing on a different area or people group to pray for and raise awareness of, to help us love and act as Jesus calls us to. See below for more as an introduction to each area…
Feb
ALIGNING OUR HEARTS
Our prayer this month as we start the year, is for the Spirit to open our heart to see God’s heart for all people, particularly the vulnerable, marginalised and oppressed. Below are some Bible verses on merciful justice to meditate on, as well as links to some helpful articles and podcasts. Starting in March, we’ll focus on a different area of merciful justice each month.
Leviticus 19:15: “Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favouritism to the great but judge your neighbour fairly.”
Deuteronomy 32:4: “His work is perfect, for all His ways are justice, a God of faithfulness who is never unjust; truly righteous and just is He.”
Psalm 10:17-18: “The LORD hears the cry of the poor; He strengthens their hearts and listens to their plea, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mankind, who are mortal, may terrify no more.”
Psalm 11:7: “For the LORD is righteous, He loves justice; the upright will see His face.”
Psalm 106:3: “Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right.”
Proverbs 14:21: “It is a sin to despise one’s neighbour but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.”
Proverbs 21:13: “Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.”
Proverbs 31:8-91: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy
Isaiah 1:17: “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
Mar
PRISON MINISTRY
In Hebrews 13:3 we are urged: “Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.”
These words remind us that Christian compassion is not distant or abstract, but personal and costly. As an example, THIS VIDEO from Prison Fellowship Australia, highlights the hope of the gospel at work inside prisons across our nation. You might like to prayerfully consider how God might invite you to remember, pray for, and partner with organisations supporting those impacted by prison in our community.
Apr
May
CHILDREN IN NEED ACROSS THE GLOBE
As a church we have the privilege of partnering with Compassion, who exist to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name. We recommend their resources https://www.compassion.com.au/ as a starting point for your journey into this area this month.
Jun
PEOPLE LIVING WITH DISABILITIES
Over 5 million people in Australia live with some kind of disability yet the church is often slow to show compassion and care. Our desire this month is that we see the needs, feel the needs and do something about the needs of all people around us living with disabilities.
You might like to listen to THIS SEMINAR that gives a Biblical framework for neurodivergence, insights into one family’s experiences and reflections on what it looks like to love each other well as the family of God.
Jul
THOSE ENTRAPPED IN SEXUAL EXPLOITATION
Whilst this may seem a sensitive topic, it’s sadly such a prevalent issue. Around the world, millions of young children are being exploited, both in person and online. Women (and some men) find themselves trapped in the sex industry, with pornography being consumed at horrifying rates. Here in Australia, the world of ‘prostitution’ is dark and dangerous, with many people thinking ‘how did I end up here’? As Christians, we cannot remain silent or ignorant on these issues.
Take a look at THIS VIDEO from IJM (International Justice Mission), who partner with local justice systems around the world to build safe communities, where all are protected from violence and slavery.
We want not just to educate our minds, but have our hearts stirred for prayer and action.
Aug
FIRST NATIONS PEOPLES
As we continue our Year of Merciful Justice, for the month of August we’re focussing on First Nations Peoples.
Across Australia there are many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders experiencing poor health care and education, living in poverty and / or addictions, as well as spiritually in need. One of our global partners, Matt & Lisa Pearson and their family, are ministering in the Northern Territory.
Take a look at THIS VIDEO from Matt who works amongst First Nations Peoples.