Compassion, self-sacrifice, and justice are core tenants of the Christian faith. True followers of Jesus aspire to love their neighbor as themselves. Since its inception, Christianity has been at the forefront of social justice reform throughout the world. Most major charities and humanitarian organizations such as Red Cross, Salvation Army, Goodwill Industries, Habitat for Humanity, Samaritan’s Purse, Feed the Children, World Vision, and Compassion International have Christian roots.
The first hospitals were instituted by early Christians in an era where the sick and disabled were marginalized. In principle, followers of Christ are to be “for” the marginalized, the unjustly treated, and the oppressed. Jesus Christ said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6).