Social Justice, Huh?
Two years ago my church started doing an annual event called “Justice Day.” That year we invited representatives from three social justice organizations to share what they do to fight human injustice in the world.
In my event advertising I chose Micah 6:8:
And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Act justly…love mercy…walk humbly. Those are some powerful words!
Micah 6 depicts a conversation. God introduces his case against Israel in verses 1 – 5; and verses 6 – 7 give Israel’s response beginning with, “With what shall I come to the Lord?” Question after question God’s people ask what will be enough to cover their sin.
God responds, “He has told you, O man, what is good.” In other words, God’s people should’ve already known the answers to the questions. God doesn’t desire rituals and sacrifices, God desires his people to be just, merciful, and humble.
God didn’t want religious observance; he wanted changed hearts. He still wants that today.
At that time, I knew very little, if anything, about what Christians were doing to right the wrongs being done to so many people all over the world.
Since that first Justice Day in January 2014, I have a much better understanding and my own experience in terms of acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God.
Social justice encompasses mercy. Merriam-Webster provides these definitions of mercy:
- Compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one’s power.
- A blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion.
- Compassionate treatment of those in distress.
Micah’s hearers would’ve understood “act justly” as living their lives with a godly sense of right and wrong. Particularly because courts were responsible for providing equity and protection of the innocent.
Along with justice, God’s people were to offer mercy. The phrase “love mercy” contains the Hebrew word hesed meaning “loving-kindness.” Justice and mercy are foundational to God’s character; his people are expected to show their loving mercy to other human beings.
Walking humbly is a heart attitude toward God. God’s people have complete dependence on him and not on their own abilities.
God’s people today, as in the days of the prophets, must demonstrate justice, mercy, and humility in his name.
So…
And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Here’s what’s on my mind about this concept of mercy and what it means practically speaking.
I’m grateful to now be aware of the overwhelming amount of injustice in our world, and of what’s being done, by Christ followers, to fight for the rights of those who are unable to do it themselves.
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[/pullquote]However, don’t you think we should act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with all people?All people…the marginalized, the abused, the poor, the orphaned, the corporate executive, the confused teenager, the single mom, the inmate, the whatever!
I guess what I’m trying to say is this should be our Christian “MO” with everybody. We must walk, talk, sleep, eat, work, play, and everything in between with justice, mercy, and humility.
If we are the people of God who are just, merciful, and humble, his message of healing, hope, and eternity will be heard by all people, in all situations, everywhere.
And in doing so, maybe some or ALL will come to know Christ.
By sharing her personal faith experiences, her thoughts about following Jesus and what it's like being part of his church, she hopes to help some navigate a new journey and challenge those already on the journey as they travel the faith road together.
- Social Justice, Huh? - September 20, 2016
- From Lips to Ears to Hearts - August 18, 2016
- Making the Mundane Holy - July 6, 2016
“All people…the marginalized, the abused, the poor, the orphaned, the corporate executive, the confused teenager, the single mom, the inmate, the whatever!” Yup, to all. The world would certainly be a different place. Well said, Terri.
“All people.” Yes. We should. I wonder what stops us? Just our judgments? Or our fears? Our self-absorbed lives? (This is me talking to me without pointing my finger at me.) Thoughtful post, Terri. Thank you!
100%, Terri. 100%.