“Jesus uses the work of mercy to show us the essence of the righteousness God  requires in our relationships … Christians are charged to meet physical and  economic needs among brethren. This is not optional. If a professing Christian  does not do so, “how can the love of God be in him?”
The striking truth is that the work of mercy is fundamental to being a Christian …  Mercy to the full range of human needs is such an essential mark of being a  Christian that it can be used as a test of true faith. Mercy is not optional or  additional to being a Christian. Rather, a life poured out in deeds of mercy is
the inevitable sign of true faith.”
~ Tim Keller, Ministries of Mercy