God’s call to support social justice
Bill Haley wrote the following in support of social justice: “Social justice is important for the simplest of reasons … it’s a prevalent theme in the Bible. That’s justification enough as we want to be faithful to the whole counsel of God.”
We’re told that in the beginning all persons are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). Everything in the Bible, including our relationship with Jesus Christ, only makes sense when it starts from that point.
All lives matter — regardless of age, color, gender, or creed — and that’s true for anyone who has ever been conceived. So we are to love, because God is love (1 John 4:7, 8). Be merciful, because God is merciful. Forgive, because God forgives. Be just, because God is just.
God’s call to be dedicated to social justice initiatives is upheld throughout the Scriptures. In Proverbs 21:3 we read: “To do righteousness and justice
is desired by the Lord more than sacrifice.” In other words, without righteous justice enacted on the behalf of others, piety and
personal spirituality don’t matter very much. It’s certain that God’s call is to uphold social justice.
What existing social concerns are significant for achieving righteous justice? There are indeed many — some examples include the sanctity of life, access to healthcare and education, food security, and eliminating human trafficking. Frankly, most wrongs that exist in relationships and situations, if reflected upon, involve issues relating to unrighteous justice. The world culture we live in victimizes many various societal groups and individuals.
As noted above in Proverbs 21:3, the words justice and righteousness are coupled together as desirable actions. These words often appear inseparable, and it’s not unusual for translations to render both words in either way, depending on the context and the translator. Tim Keller wrote: “We do justice when we give all human beings their due as creations of God. Doing justice includes not only the righting of wrongs, but generosity and social concern, especially toward the poor and vulnerable.”
The kind of life reflecting the character of God consists of a broad range of activities from simple fair and honest dealings with people; to regular, generous giving of time and resources; to activism seeking to end the existence of injustice, destructive violence, and oppression.
Having a description of social justice is not primarily for the purpose of definition, but rather to strive for its realization. It’s to determine what is needed to convince all to live in a way that points people to know the love and the true character of God. Whenthe alienated in society are treated fairly in the court of social justice and are shown compassion, they will be blessed with the gift of acceptance.
Those employing justice and righteousness are also blessed. Gary Haugen reflects on this: “Churches are finding not only that their Christian witness is strengthened through their justice work, but also that the effects of the justice mission can be as dramatic for the rescuers as for the rescued. The work of justice benefits the people who do it as well. It is a means of rescue not only for the powerless, but also for the powerful.”
The world is a broken place, and will remain so until Jesus Christ returns with the sound of a great trumpet to reveal Himself and to establish all-embracing justice in the world. Until then, it is time to prepare for His coming to fulfill His kingdom and for all to realize God’s justice and righteousness.
Countless individuals and groups are striving for social justice in their various communities. This is a perfect time for all to search God’s heart afresh for His direction in effecting righteousness and social justice. May God then show to each of us where injustice is occurring in our own spheres of influence, and also for wisdom on how we may assist in meeting those needs.