“If thou see the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter, for he that is higher than the highest regardth…”

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What is oppression?  The dictionary says it is domination, cruelty, and repression.  It is the opposite of liberty.  What does oppression look like…faces void of expression or feeling, blank stares, empty glances, hard exteriors, harsh language, little or no eye contact can all be symptomatic of an oppressive life.

What does it take to oppress...it takes indifference, lack of compassion, absence of love, and a disconnected world view.  It also takes power...power over the powerless. 

When one's own purpose, self fulfillment, even the sincere desire to help others are driving forces without considering the perceptions, cultural norms, possible barriers and/or consequences to those being helped, oppressive behavior can result. Jesus' life was characterized by service to and suffering with instead of exerting power over. Helping without hurting in the context of ministry takes the time to build relationships, research and explore  possible impediments before ministry takes place, and it may even mean relinquishing some power.