We Love Because He First Loved Us

We Love Because He First Loved Us

A Valentine’s Day Greeting from Community Engagement Manager Lydia Bronner

Happy Valentine’s Day, Clinic Family!

I hope that today and every day you feel loved and reminded of your worth in this world.

Since we traditionally spend February 14th pondering love, I would like to share about the love that motivates Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic to persevere in the work of doing justice.

As an organization, we desire all people to flourish, so we provide free legal services to low-income neighbors, regardless of their background or religion. We commit to promoting justice and mercy for those who may not otherwise have the funds to overcome legal obstacles, to have their voice heard, or to experience the safety and stability that I often take for granted.

We believe this work demonstrates the love of Jesus Christ, who came to model a life of perfect love, die an unjust death on our behalf, and rise from the dead as our Advocate so that we might have abundant life in right relationship with His loving and just Father. Psalm 140:12 says, “I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.” And He often chooses to do this work through people.

While we believe God sustains our mission because it is close to His heart, we boast a broad network of volunteers, donors, and partners who passionately support justice for a variety of reasons.

One volunteer attorney serves alongside us because we “help people whose problems are often ignored.” A law student volunteer says, “The Clinic’s passion and commitment towards serving others inspires me to continue supporting their mission and goals.” Another friend values our ministry because “our justice system needs to work for *everyone*. Not just people with money and resources.” A recent donor gave because they were “grateful to serve alongside [us] in administering justice for neighbors in need.” Yet another person made a gift reasoning that the Clinic “advocates for those who would have no voice otherwise” and “truly helps those in need, the way Jesus would.”

This Valentine’s Day, we extend our heartfelt thanks and love to all those who make our work possible. No matter your reasoning, we invite you to continue doing justice with us. We encourage you to engage in our mission through events, advocacy, giving, and volunteerism.

You are needed, you are valued, and you are deeply loved.