Reflections on JusticeSýnishorn

We need to realise that the commitment of the early Christians was not simply a humanitarian cause. Our calling and passion to minister and care for those in need is a cause deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bible.

The Israelites chose to care for the poor among them because they knew God cared for the poor: ‘If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you…be open-handed and freely lend them whatever they need’ (Deuteronomy 15:7-8). We receive God’s command to his people and make a choice to obey it.

God has a heart for the poor and he wants us to have the same heart. So many people, including Christians, look down upon those who are in need; they don’t believe that they have anything to offer in society. We need to know that this mindset is a sin. God says that we are to be kind to the needy and to treat the poor as our brothers and sisters in Christ.

The concept of biblical justice covers more than punishing wrongdoing. It includes adopting a posture of treating all people with fairness, protection, and care. God calls all people to seek justice for those most vulnerable to suffering injustice. The Bible pairs justice with acting righteously and behaving in a way that is merciful, to be a person that exudes love, kindness, and compassion.

Challenge: ‘When we have an opportunity to help someone in need, we have an opportunity to serve Jesus.’ How does this change the way you will put living justly into practice?

Prayer: Dear Lord, we ask that you pour out your abundant grace and mercy upon all those who are in need. We ask that you provide them with strength and courage to endure and that you would bring them the peace that surpasses all understanding.