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Justice in the Bible

Justice in the Bible

BIBLICAL JUSTICE IS JUSTICE THAT IS EXPRESSED WITHIN THE COMMUNITY.  SOMETIMES PEOPLE CALL THIS CONCEPT “SOCIAL JUSTICE”.  SOCIAL JUSTICE IS THE APPLICATION OF THE CONCEPT OF JUSTICE EXPRESSED ON A SOCIAL SCALE.

The Biblical definition of social justice is the comprehensive application of Biblical law, love, mercy, justice, and equity to the entities that make up a “society”; self, family, fraternal groups, churches, and state.  Effective social justice considers all of these Biblical areas. Love without law has no direction, and law without love punishes without mercy. At OCCV we consciously pursue Biblical social justice for the good of all in our community.

Social justice is not only a nice idea:

It is a ministry priority:

“The Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.” Psalm 140:12

It is a Biblical command:

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8-9

“Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.” Isaiah 1:17

“Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” Psalm 82:3-5

 

It is action:

“This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed…He [the king] defended the cause of the poor and needy…’is that not what it means to know me?’ declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 22:3, 16

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:37-40 Jesus…

“… ‘Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?’ The expert of the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:29-37

 

It is an attitude of the heart:

“Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: she and her sisters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy.” Ezekiel 16:49

“He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” Proverbs 14:31

“Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12

“And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17

 

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

— Proverbs 31:8-9