Just Love

This week I caught up with Sarah, who I’ve known since she was a teenager growing up in Sheffield’s Crosspool. She’s mid-20s now, and making a national impact inspiring a new generation of students to build a better world. Today she’s deputy CEO of a UK charity called Just Love which aims to raise up a generation of leaders who pursue Jesus and justice wherever they go, consuming ethically, giving generously, and transforming the industries in which they work. 

A famous bible Proverb implores God’s people to “speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” (Proverbs, 31:8-9)

That’s easier said than done, isn’t it? Most of us are passionate about a fairer society, but we probably take very little action towards building one. Sarah told me how her journey began. Around a student table with six frustrated dreamers, they were massively motivated by their Christian faith towards the biblical call to social justice. But they felt powerless as young individuals in a globalised world. How can my actions make any impact? Who is going to take any notice of me? It’s a familiar feeling.

But these Christian students were different, in contrast to many in their generation they aren’t self-seeking. Their ambition is not to be Youtuber or a pop sensation. They gauged the state of the world with fresh young eyes, and rather than feel defeated, they allowed their hearts to stir them to action.

The world is full of injustice. From global poverty and modern-day slavery, to local homelessness and food poverty. Christians believe that God calls everybody to love their neighbours, steward this earth and loose the chains of injustice.

In a few short years, Sarah told me of how those determined young people have built a national student movement, inspiring and equipping small activist groups in universities from Sheffield to Aberdeen to Brighton.

A new generation is rising, being inspired into volunteering, campaigning, praying and fundraising. Just Love, the charity behind the movement, are clear: justice is not a short-term trend. They believe it is a lifelong calling.

Their impact doesn’t cease after university, it increases yearly as more graduates carry this creativity, energy, and commitment to a cause into shaping their everyday lives. 91% of their alumni said they would give more generously in future, make more ethical consumer choices and 96% will pursue justice through their career.

Sarah inspires me to strive to do the same.