There has been a lot of attention on the term justice right now, and rightfully so. Justice is critical for a society to thrive. But many people dismiss justice because they don't know what it means. However, there is a correct view of justice that seeks to protect individual liberty and promote individual responsibility. In this 4-day reading plan, Dr Tony Evans will examine authentic biblical justice. Devotional can be found here https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/20157
Life is all about relationships. Most of the time, friction arises in relationships because of misunderstandings. One person sees a situation one way, but the other person sees it another way. Each person can’t figure out why the other person can’t see the situation like they see it, and sometimes these situations become huge arguments. The problem lies in the fact that sometimes we look at situations in different ways because we think differently than other people.
Justice is one of these misunderstood situations. Specifically, social justice has become a convoluted term meaning different things to different people. It is often used as a catchphrase for illegitimate forms of government promoting the redistribution of wealth and expansion of civil government. This view of social justice is a denial of authentic justice. For example, the biblical command of “Thou shalt not steal” includes government-sanctioned theft through state-enforced redistribution of wealth and illegitimate taxation.
This is why I use the term “biblical justice.” Biblical justice seeks to protect individual liberty while promoting personal responsibility. It is the equitable and impartial application of the rule of God’s moral law in society. There is no clear and right definition of justice that excludes God. So to grasp justice, we must go to God’s Word. The Bible condemns injustice because God is just. As the ultimate lawgiver, He strongly opposes injustice. His laws are righteous and must be applied without partiality because justice identifies the moral standard by which God measures human conduct.
So at the heart of Biblical justice is the impartial application of God’s moral law within all realms of society including economic, political, social or criminal justice. Any other definition of justice won’t suffice.
What enters your mind when you hear the phrase “social justice”?
Scriptures to read:
Deuteronomy 32:4
He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is!
James 4:12
God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbour?
Psalms 19:7-9
The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.
Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair.
Deuteronomy 1:17
And impartial in your judgments. Hear the cases of those who are poor as well as those who are rich. Don’t be afraid of anyone’s anger, for the decision you make is God’s decision. Bring me any cases that are too difficult for you, and I will handle them.
(Scriptures are from the New Living Translation)