Often justice is seen as someone getting their “just desserts,” what they deserved for their actions. All sides of a discussion, difference of opinion, or resolve of an incident are focused on this result. Whether motivated by politics, religion or legalities, we each want to win and see the other person or entity get what they deserve, i.e. failure, sentencing, fines or such other. I (we) win…you lose.
In the process everyone is fighting for justice, as they each see it. From the world’s perspective it is important to justify your actions. What is right or wrong need not be a part of the equation. In John 18:10, Peter drew his sword and cut off the servant’s ear. I’m sure he felt justified, justice was served. This is the philosophy of the “cancel culture” we live with today. It may feel right, but it does not always go right. We may get more, but are still left with the same void. It also speaks to the supposed justice of reparations. The results sought for are not achieved. In the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30), this equates to the robbers: What is yours is mine, I’ll take it.
Some, of course, choose to ignore situations and do nothing. “It is not my problem. Others are given to deal with this. I could stand to lose significantly by getting involved.” This person hopes for the best and may even speak some righteous words in order to feel OK with walking on past, doing nothing. These are aligned with the priest and the Levite in Luke 10:31-32: What is mine is mine, I’ll keep it.
There is also another way to confront injustice. Not, “What am I owed, to get it back.” Rather, it asks the questions, “What did I owe that has been forgiven me?”, “What do I owe that I cannot repay?”, “What can I do to solve the issue?” This pictures the Good Samaritan of the story in Luke 10 who gave much to help and resolve the problem at hand. In Isaiah 42:1-4 we read, “Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on the earth.”
This cancels no one. There is no screaming, or swinging a sword, or burning things down. The focus is on humility and looking for what I can do. After all, I owed everything, yet in Christ I am forgiven everything…freeing me to give. We can, and certainly should, stand against evil and all the wrong it brings to our lives and those of our nations. However, we can stand in peace alongside those who need our support, we can give generously, we can pray earnestly, we can step up and get involved: What is mine is yours, I’ll give it!
What will you do with regard to the truckers and others who are giving much already? What can you do to be involved in the Ukrainian crisis? How will you get involved in standing against abortion and for the sanctity of life? Whatever it is, do it now. Do not waste any more time.
Foundations of Truth hereby waives all claim of copyright (economic and moral) in this work and immediately places it in the public domain; it may be used, published, edited, and distributed in any manner whatsoever without any attribution or notice to Foundations of Truth.
