Righteousness and Justice
Psalms 33:5 The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of His unfailing love. Proverbs 18:5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the innocent of justice. James 2:1-10 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong? If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. RESOURCE (link and attachment) LET US PRAY: Lord, when You are excluded from hearts and consciences, the inevitable result is that people suffer. Lord, there is much injustice and corruption taking place in our world today, not only in the lives of individuals, but also in the corridors of power and the council rooms of many nations.
We pray Lord, that You will right all the wrongs that are taking place in our world and vindicate those that are being treated unjustly. Keep us, Father, from trying to take matters into our own hands for vengeance is Your and You will repay.
But Lord, in Your grace and mercy, we pray that you would give justice and peace to all those that have been cruelly and unfairly treated by their fellow man, and may the injustice and carelessness that they have had to endure be the means to draw them into Your saving arms of grace. We ask this in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.
(Source: knowing-jesus.com) After reading today’s scriptures, prayer, and resource, reflect…
Compare and contrast biblical justice with society’s definition and view of justice.
How can we advance justice for the oppressed as a means of showing compassion?
Why is it not holistic to promote personal morality but not seek social justice?
What questions does this devotion bring up for you?
Be sure to journal your thoughts. We will have a collective discussion at the end of this 2-week series. If you come across an article or a video link or a prayer that is relevant to this discussion about loving our neighbors, feel free to submit it to me. Thank you!