We are often reminded of how much God loves us in the Bible. It not only conveys God’s kindness and compassion to the Israelites, but also to people from various backgrounds and locations. Jesus called the oppressed and outcasts to Him, saying that God had sent Him to set the oppressed free and bring God’s favor where it was lacking (Luke 4:18–19). He imparted to us the values of [love, forgiveness, and not taking revenge when someone else hurts us].
Does God’s compassion stand in the way of social justice?
No. If you look attentively, you will see that God is righteous and that He longs for justice and mercy. Adam and Eve were built in God’s image and resembled God’s own offspring when they were created. After sin entered humankind, things were never again the same. The Israelites’ complaints, Cain’s murder, and Adam and Eve’s disobedience all called for God’s wrath and forced them to accept His judgment as a result of their transgressions.
God observed that people sinned against one another and that resentment, pride, envy, and selfishness were the root causes of conflicts. By the (Mosaic) Law and commandments, He gave us guidance on how to uphold justice and act morally before Him.
- But let justice flow like a river and righteousness like an unceasing stream, according to Amos 5:24.
- This is what the Lord of hosts says in Zechariah 7:9–10: “Therefore, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the traveler, or the impoverished, and let none of you devise evil against another in your hearts.”
God commands us to treat everyone fairly and with respect and decency, not just in the church but also in our homes, places of employment, schools, and communities. What does the Lord ask of you, according to Micah 6:8? to live humbly with your God, to act justly, and to love mercy.”
Institutions to promote justice
God’s law, which demands justice for all people in the land—not just Israelites but also outsiders and oppressed people—is shown in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 15: 7–11). As seen in 1 Kings 3:16-28, King Solomon was well-known for his discernment in resolving legal disputes and for providing justice to a lawful mother and child.
Following Jethro’s counsel, Moses selected leaders from among Israel’s tribes to settle disputes (Exodus 18:17–25). The entire book of Judges recounts the different judges appointed to oversee the Israelites in order to address their issues and guide them as a nation. According to Proverbs 29:4, a just king establishes his throne securely via justice and is thought to offer stability to the country.
Submission to the mighty Judge and governing authorities
Yes, [God is like a powerful judge] who will punish those who take advantage of others and show pity to the innocent.
- God will judge both the virtuous and the wicked because there will be a time for every action and a time to account for every conduct, according to Ecclesiastes 3:17.
- Jeremiah 22:3 – “So the Lord commands, execute justice and righteousness, and set the robbed person free from the oppressor’s grasp. And do not inflict harm or violence upon the widow, the fatherless, or the resident immigrant, nor do you shed any innocent blood here.
- Psalms 82:3 – “Preserve the rights of the oppressed and the impoverished; give justice to the weak and the fatherless.”
Just as treating people unfairly is a significant transgression before God, so too is failing to defend the innocent. Do we come across friends, coworkers, or members of a community who are persecuted unfairly? In order to rescue them from such trying circumstances, we must stand forward to assist them, pray for them, and obtain the necessary guidance or assistance.
Seeking the assistance of authorities is sometimes necessary to bring about the so-called justice of wrongdoing. The Bible reminds us:
“They [the ruling bodies] are the instruments of God’s anger, sent to punish the transgressor. As a result, surrendering to the authorities is required out of conscience as well as fear of potential punishment.- Romans 13:4-5.
Trusting in God when justice doesn’t come easily
As a Christian, there will be seemingly never-ending periods of suffering, and one might experience mockery or persecution from others. “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 Bible tells us. (See also 2 Thessalonians 1:6–8; Romans 12:19). According to Matthew 7:12, God wants us to treat people the way we would like to be treated. “The Lord accepts righteousness and justice more highly than sacrifice” (Proverbs 21:3).
God’s justice and compassion are complementary. When someone calls out to Him, He will undoubtedly reach out and assist them.Happy are those who uphold justice and act morally at all times!(Psalm 106:3).
