SINS OF MATERIAL OMISSION

Neglecting Mercy & Justice

Showing mercy and pursuing justice are core expressions of the God who loves compassion and truth. But when we overlook suffering, ignore the vulnerable, or excuse harmful behavior without seeking restoration, our hearts can grow numb and disconnected from the life God calls us to. Neglecting mercy and justice may look like turning a blind eye, avoiding difficult conversations, or choosing convenience over compassion — and these patterns can weaken both our relationships and our sense of purpose.

Spiritually, both mercy and justice reflect the heart of God — who champions the oppressed and offers forgiveness for the broken. Jesus models this perfectly in His care for the marginalized, His compassion toward the hurting, and His challenge to His followers to act justly and love mercy. When we neglect these qualities, we miss out on the fullness of life that comes from living in alignment with God’s character. But the good news of the gospel invites us into a life shaped by mercy and justice — where love and truth work together to heal hearts and communities.

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

— MICAH 6:8

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

— MATTHEW 23:23

Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

— PROVERBS 21:13

GET HOPE & HELP

Resources for Helping with Mercy & Justice

TURN TOWARD JESUS

Explore Practices that Help You Become More Merciful

Turning toward Jesus means turning away from the sin you’re entangled in—and choosing practices that reshape your heart over time. Explore studying the Bible, prayer, fasting, and forgiveness to take a clear next step toward repentance, freedom, and deeper fellowship with Him.
Through Community

Through Community

Community is where faith becomes lived and strengthened through relationships, encouragement, and shared growth. Find ways to connect through services, groups, classes, mentors, and events.

Serving

Serving

God has uniquely gifted you to make a difference. Serving on a team is more than filling a role—it’s a way to use your talents to impact lives, grow spiritually, and build lasting friendships. Whether it’s greeting at the door, helping with kids, or running tech, there’s a place for you at Sonrise.

Humility

Humility

Humility is seeing yourself rightly before God—secure in His love, teachable in His Word, and willing to serve. Learn why humility matters and how to grow in it like Jesus.

Righteousness

Righteousness

Righteousness is living in a way that reflects Jesus—choosing what’s right and pleasing to God. Learn what righteousness means in the Bible and how to pursue it in everyday life.

BE COURAGEOUS

Take Your Next Steps

If you’ve ever struggled to show mercy, faced awkward situations of injustice, or felt unsure how to respond with compassion, you’re not alone. These next steps are designed to help you turn toward Jesus and grow in living out mercy, justice, and Christ-like compassion.
Repent

Repent

Repentance is more than regret—it’s a turning of the heart toward God. By naming sin honestly and choosing a new direction of obedience, we step out of hiding and into the grace, freedom, and transformation Jesus offers.

Know Jesus

Know Jesus

Jesus welcomes you—the Savior who invites you into real life with God. Explore who He is, what He offers, and the next steps you can take to know Him personally.

Get Baptized

Get Baptized

Baptism is an outward expression of an inward transformation. It’s a public declaration that you have decided to follow Jesus and want to live for Him. At Sonrise, we celebrate baptisms as a church family, standing with you as you take this powerful step of obedience and faith.

Follow Jesus

Follow Jesus

Following Jesus means taking your next step with Him in real life—growing through spiritual practices, Christlike virtues, authentic community, and the everyday moments that shape your faith.

WE'RE HERE TO HELP

Start by Reaching Out

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to begin, we’d love to walk with you.

Fill out the form below and a trusted member of our team will reach out to listen, pray, and help you take a wise next step.

Start Where You’re Comfortable. Then Grow From There.

You don’t have to have everything figured out to belong here. Whether you’re curious, returning, or ready to get more involved, there are simple ways to take a step at your own pace. From showing up and getting to know the community, to jumping into deeper relationships, to living out your faith in everyday life — this is a place to grow alongside others as you move forward.

Sonrise Church

Sonrise Church

8805 N. Magnolia Ave

Santee, CA 92071

Get Directions

Service Times:

  • Sunday : 9:00 AM (1st Service)
  • Sunday : 10:40 AM (2nd Service)

At Sonrise Church in Santee, CA, we know that showing mercy and pursuing justice can be hard — especially when life is messy and people hurt deeply. In East County San Diego, many wrestle with feeling ill-equipped to respond compassionately, unsure how to confront injustice, or overwhelmed by the world’s needs. Sonrise Church offers compassionate teaching and community rooted in Scripture that helps you understand what it means to live with both grace and conviction in your daily life.

In Santee, El Cajon, La Mesa, and Lakeside, our church family gathers to explore how the gospel reshapes our hearts toward mercy and justice — not in a way that burdens us, but in a way that heals us and others around us. Jesus invites us into compassionate living that honors God and restores dignity to those who are hurting. If you’re longing to grow in mercy, stand for justice, and reflect Christ’s heart more fully, Sonrise Church in East County San Diego is a place to take your next steps alongside others living out this journey of faith.

Come discover how the gospel transforms hearts and communities through mercy, justice, and grace.