Found on Google+ on 12-9-14. Mandy Hale.

At one point in time, before I retired,  I looked at the comparison between my profession’s core values and the values that Christ lived. Christ came to enhance an individual’s well-being in many ways-spiritually, physically, emotionally, and socially. My profession seeks the same. Christ helped meet the needs of all people, not just those that followed him, or certain sects. He met people in their environments and He addressed their needs and sought to empower those who were vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty. Christ  focused on environmental forces that prevented the growth and development of all people. He taught acceptance, inclusiveness, love, giving to others, especially those who were discriminated against. He promoted social justice and advocated for social change.

The New Testament is full of incidents where Jesus advocated for the rights of others who had been cut off from society. When others sought to stone a woman caught in the act of adultery, He wrote on the ground with His finger to remind them that we all sin at times and that she deserved compassion and forgiveness. He chose to go where the outcasts ate. He broke bread with them and drank wine with Gentiles, tax collectors, prostitutes, and other types of sinners. He reached out and touched the sick: the one with leprosy, the woman with an issue of blood who touched His hem, and He stopped to cast out demons in others. He confronted the Pharisees and Sadducees who judged others too harshly. Jesus showed compassion for the most vulnerable members in society. He also left us with a responsibility to care for those in need.

These values reflect the life He lived. They also reflect the core values of Social Work:

1. Service. Jesus was a servant to others. His whole life was spent addressing and meeting the needs of others.
2. Social Justice. Jesus constantly advocated for others to help the sick, the poor, and the disenfranchised of society. He spoke against social inequality.
3. The Dignity and Worth of Each Person. Christ taught us to treat people in a caring and respectful way. He was aware of each difference and cultural and ethnic diversity. He believed in  enhancing a person’s self-determination. He engaged people as partners in their healing process.
4. The Importance of Human relationships. Jesus demonstrated to us how to forgive and love others. He showed us that sometimes we have to make sacrifices in life to help one another.
5. Integrity. Jesus was trustworthy. He was honest and responsible. He always kept His promises. People could depend on Him to do what He said He would do.
6. Competence. Christ sought knowledge from others and He wanted to help others grow and develop their potential. He taught knowledge to those around Him using Parables.