The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love. Psalm 33:5
In times like these, it can be all too easy to focus on the overwhelming presence of darkness in the world. Evil, sin, and brokenness seem to surround us, and each day the harsh reality of the state of the world becomes more apparent. Yet, as believers, we are called to look beyond the shadows and focus on the One who is the Light of the world—Jesus Christ.
But God! These two words carry the power to shift our perspective. In a world groaning under the weight of injustice, suffering, and pain, we are called to be the light that shines in the darkness. We are not called to merely sit in despair but to walk in the ways of Christ through the brokenness, sharing the truth of what is right, just, and according to God’s will.
The brokenness of the world may seem overwhelming at times, but the more we become acquainted with the injustices around us, the more our hearts should burn with a passionate desire for righteousness and justice. This desire should propel us to seek out God’s heart and direction in how we, the hands and feet of Jesus, can respond in this hurting world.
Micah 6:8 reminds us of God’s desire for His people: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
As we meditate on this verse, it becomes clear that the Spirit of Justice is within us. It’s not something we need to manufacture or earn; it’s already a part of our design as followers of Christ. This spirit may manifest differently in each of us, whether through advocacy, acts of kindness, standing against oppression, or using our influence to speak up for the voiceless. No matter the expression, when we come together as the body of believers, we can see God’s vision for the earth realized: righteousness and justice on earth as it is in heaven.
If you find yourself wondering where to begin your journey toward justice and righteousness, I want to offer you a few steps:
- Seek the Presence of God
First and foremost, begin by seeking God in prayer and worship. Spend time in His presence, allowing Him to reveal His heart for the broken and the hurting. Ask Him to give you His eyes to see the injustice around you and His wisdom to respond in a way that reflects His love and truth. - Immerse Yourself in the Word of God
The Bible is our ultimate guide to understanding God’s heart for justice. From the Old Testament prophets to the teachings of Jesus, Scripture is filled with examples of how God calls His people to act justly, show mercy, and walk humbly. Let His Word shape your understanding of justice and lead you to practical steps for making a difference. - Learn from Those Who Have Gone Before You
There are countless examples throughout history of individuals who have pursued justice and righteousness with unwavering commitment. Read about the lives of those who have fought for justice, whether in the civil rights movement, the abolition of slavery, or other social justice causes. Their stories will inspire and challenge you to press on. - Join Together with Like-Minded Believers
Justice is not a solo endeavor—it is a collective calling. Connect with others who share your passion for righteousness and justice. Together, we can work to bring about change, support one another, and make a lasting impact in our communities and the world.
As we continue to walk through this broken world, we must remember that we are not alone. We have the Spirit of God within us, and we have the power of the body of Christ to lean on. Together, we can be the light that shines in the darkness and be active participants in God’s work of redemption and restoration.
So don’t be disheartened by the evil you see around you. Take heart and rise up as those who carry the light of Christ. In times of darkness, let us be the light. In times of injustice, let us be the voice of righteousness. Together, as the body of Christ, we will see the Lord’s justice reign on earth as it is in heaven.
**We invite you to join us this fall, for a book discussion on Jemar Tisby’s “The Spirit of Justice: True Stories of Faith, Race and Resistance facilitated by myself, NaTasha Brown and Kathy Williamson Bruce. Every Tuesday beginning Sept. 9th from 7-8 PM (ET) online. Find out more and Register Here!