Applying the Character Quality of Justice
3 minKey Verse
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
Micah 6:8
The operational definition of justice is “personal responsibility to uphold God’s unchanging laws.” The word justice usually brings to mind judges, courtrooms, and police officers. However, justice goes beyond the duty of God-given rulers to govern citizens by man’s law and extends to the duty of every individual to govern himself righteously in light of God’s Law. In order to become familiar with God’s laws and principles, we must diligently read and meditate on His Word. A judge considers all the evidence before him and reaches a verdict, or conclusion, based on the law. In the same way, you can carefully evaluate the factors of each situation you encounter and make your decision according to God’s Word. King Solomon wisely asked God for a heart to judge the people by discerning right from wrong (I Kings 3:9). We can have peace and security knowing that God’s Word does not change as cultural standards, preferences, and even man’s laws, vary over time.
“Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24).
“A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight” (Proverbs 11:1).
The opposite of justice is corruption. A corrupt judge is one who is willing to allow bribery, partiality, or personal gain influence his decision in a case. Likewise, a person with a lifestyle that violates or distorts God’s laws without remorse or repentance is corrupt. Such a person makes his choices based on that which pleases him rather than on that which pleases the Lord. A society lacking proper justice tends to oppress the poor and vulnerable because those in power are not held accountable for how they use their authority. You can avoid corruption by living in accordance with God’s laws and being quick to confess and make amends when you disobey His clear direction to you.
Evaluation Questions
- Have I committed to read, memorize, and meditate on God’s Law regularly?
- When I have a decision to make, do I look for Biblical principles to guide me to right conclusions?
- Do I ask God for an understanding heart so that I may make wise and just judgments?
- Am I able to explain the difference between “fairness” and “justice”?
- Do I daily consider that God knows my thoughts and sees all that I say and do?
- Do I take responsibility for my actions, or do I make excuses and blame others?
- When I see injustice, am I willing to take appropriate action?
- Do I want wrongdoers to repent and return to the Lord, or do I only want them punished?
- How can I be involved in restoring a wayward person to God?
More About Justice
3 min
Hymn History: “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”
2 min
Cultivating Godly Character
4 min
How can I be saved?
4 min“Justice means rightness with God; nothing is just until it is adjusted to God.”
Oswald Chambers
Transformation results as we behold the Lord and yield to the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (II Corinthians 3:18). As we see God’s character through testimonies in Scripture, we grow in our understanding and obedience to His Word. Here are ten aspects of Justice with supporting verses found in God’s Word.
God enables me to:
Know God’s Word.
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” Joshua 1:8
Take personal responsibility.
“The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.” Ezekiel 18:20
Use the right methods.
“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts. To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” Proverbs 21:2–3
Seek restoration, not revenge.
“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:19–21
Defend the weak.
“Thou shalt not pervert the judgment of the stranger, nor of the fatherless; nor take a widow’s raiment to pledge.” Deuteronomy 24:17
Keep a clear conscience.
“And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.” Acts 24:16
Respect the authority of the Law.
“Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:19
Speak out for what is pure, right, and true.
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” Ephesians 5:11
Harbor no prejudice.
“But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” James 2:9
Realize that I will answer to God.
“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” Romans 14:12
Justice in Scripture
A Secret Sin Revealed
“And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.”
Acts 5:5
After Peter’s powerful sermon on Pentecost, 3,000 people were saved, baptized, and added to the church in Jerusalem. Soon thereafter, a lame beggar at the Temple gate was miraculously healed in the name of Jesus. Onlookers immediately recognized God’s power, and 5,000 more people believed that day. The church continued to flourish. Each day, believers met in homes to share meals together. They demonstrated their sincere faith in God by selling their land and possessions and giving to those among them who were in need. No one called what he had his own, and as they sold their belongings, they brought the money to the apostles for distribution. One of those who sold his land was Barnabas, a disciple who would later accompany Paul on his first missionary journey. Two others, a husband and wife in the Jerusalem church, also decided to sell their land and give the money to the Lord. Did this couple truly fear God? Were they aware that He knows and sees everything, even the hidden matters of the heart? Did they realize that they would have to answer to Him for their every word and deed?
Revealed in Nature
Elephant
A mature bull elephant keeps the peace on the plains of Africa by preventing unruly “teenagers” from disrupting the social order. He establishes a clear chain of command so that each individual has a safe and secure niche in the herd.
For Kids
Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum
The Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum uses examples from the lives of men and women in the Bible whose walk with God resulted in good character or whose lack of faith produced poor character. As children grow in their understanding of God's laws and their personal accountability to Him, the Lawgiver, He will then equip them to speak up for the oppressed, stand for His principles, and facilitate the restoration of the wayward.
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Free Resources for Justice
Enjoy these selections from the Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum that are fun and memorable!
“Justice is the activity of God’s holiness.”
Proverb
