At a recent church conference, I asked people to imagine what a just economy might look like, for them, their neighbours and their communities.
Common themes quickly emerged. People pictured an economy where everyone’s basic needs are met, such as housing, food, healthcare, education and decent work. But they also used words like ‘flourishing’, ‘dignity’ and ‘belonging’. We reflected together that economic justice is something felt and lived. It is generous, it is compassionate, it is joyful. It reflects God’s abundant provision.
Economics and finance can sound like dry or taboo topics. But one of the things I love most about my work with the JustMoney Movement is helping people see that our financial choices are really about relationships. How we spend, give or invest connects us to others, and the way the economy is shaped has an impact on people and places that we love.
The Bible doesn’t offer an economic blueprint, but it does speak constantly about justice, fairness and sharing resources. It reminds us that everything we have is a gift from God, entrusted to us for the good of all.
Recognising how interconnected we are, through supply chains, investments and even the tax system, helps us see the impact of our choices. Wherever we can, we’re called to make life-giving, justice-seeking decisions with our money.
Justice-seeking decisions might mean:
- buying from companies that pay workers fairly
- encouraging churches and organisations to invest ethically
- supporting social enterprises, cooperatives and credit unions
- investing in local renewable energy projects
- sharing resources, as the early church did
And beyond our personal choices, we can speak out, pray and engage with those in power, so we can work together for a more generous, compassionate and just economy where everyone can flourish.
Rosie Venner
Director of Movement Building, JustMoney Movement
Reflect
‘Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.’
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Pray
Pray for your local community and the people who serve or run small businesses.
Ask God to help you use money and time in ways that build others up.
Thank Him for the strength that comes when people work together for good.
Act
A generosity challenge for you to complete today:
| Take part in a second-hand treasure hunt: buy something from a charity shop to gift, so that both the charity and the recipient benefit. |
About JustMoney Movement
JustMoney Movement equips Christians and churches to use money in ways that reflect fairness, justice and care for creation. By inspiring individuals and influencing businesses, banks and government policy, they aim to reshape how money is used to build a fairer, greener world.
