A word I am hearing repeated lately is the word “justice” and it brings to mind Micah 6:8, it says, “..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?” It’s been repeated because George Floyd was not given it in the right measure. It’s been repeated because of the prominence of the sin of racism. It’s been repeated because, deep down, we all seek fairness and justice in all matters. It’s all over the news.. people want justice, and that’s a good thing because justice is also what God seeks. From Isaiah 1:17, “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, and please the widow’s cause.”
Justice done fairly, with love as its foundation, is a godly thing. The problem with justice is when people of the world decide that justice is whatever they think it should be. One might think destroying property is justified because of a death they think was unjustified. One might call killing three police officers justified because they just happen to have the same occupation as someone who did something completely unjustified. Unfortunately, justice is in the eye of the beholder under worldliness. It’s not about fairness, its about revenge. You made the wrong decision so now I am going to make you and all the people who remind me of you pay. That’s not justice, that’s anarchy. God says in Romans 12:19, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” The problem with worldly justice is that it has become completely devoid of God.
Godly justice seeks a peaceful and fair solution. It requires that all the evidence be presented and debated. It is dished out for correction, not revenge. It bases itself on love and not hate. Godly justice is defined by God’s character and defined by God’s design wrapped in love. That is not what we are seeing when a business is looted. Justice is not found when cars are set on fire. Righteousness is not achieved by spray painting vulgar words on park benches. Integrity is not gained by destroying statues. None of that is from God. That is only worldliness on display. “Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times” (Psalm 106:3).
Justice in Godly terms has everything to do with righteousness. Our anger may give us the urge for revenge, but godly justice calls for peace. Being righteous means doing the right thing even when we have a desire to do the wrong. Being righteous requires patience even when we want immediate results. It counts on God to be our ultimate judge in all matters because we trust Him in all things. Proverbs 28:5 says, Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it completely.” Evil men don’t understand because they have evil intent. Our calling is to bring peace. As faithful men and women of God we need to start a dialog with others so that we might heal from the wounds of worldliness. Results are based on proper communication.
So I ask you to pray that righteousness may prevail in all things. Our God is a mighty God who can deal with every problem. It is our calling to trust in Him to make things right. And, as he works His plan, He will use His people, you and I, to help bring about the best results. So, be willing to start the conversation. Preach peace and not revenge. Do the right thing by promoting love and not hate. It’s a big job to be sure and it seems an overwhelming task, but even the greatest forest fires begin with a single spark. Do what is good, treat each other with Godly justice and walk humbly with your God. “I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time for every matter and for every work (Ecclesiastes 3:17). Please pray with me:
Heavenly Father, forgive us when our anger overwhelms us to the point that we no longer wait for Your justice but decide to follow worldliness and the justice it seeks. Instill in us a desire to always do what is right even when our anger is spiked. Teach us to search for justice according to Your wishes and not our own. Be with this country so that we might learn lessons from our mistakes. Lead us to the road of righteousness in all matters and bind us with Godly love so that all we do reflects You. Amen.
