A World of Injustice

Have you ever felt disgusted by all the suffering, corruption, and pure wickedness happening in our world? When I hear about twisted officials, abandoned children, and senseless violence, I either get really angry and queasy, or I try to shut it out and look somewhere else. But how should Christians respond to injustice? We start with the gospel. Because Jesus cares deeply about injustice, He came to die and rise again, taking all of God’s wrath for our sin on Himself and defeating sin and death. Only God’s Word and Jesus’ forgiveness produces the life, peace, and forgiveness that can ultimately eradicate injustice. As Jesus’ forgiven followers, we can 1. Pray. Sometimes prayer feels so empty, so small in comparison to the magnitude of wrongdoings, but we forget how great our God is. Prayer can go places where human aid cannot, and it reminds us that we don’t have to bear these burdens alone. 2. Love. Even when people mistreat us or others, we are still called to love them and treat them kindly. It’s hard, but this love comes from God’s strength, not ours. 3. Defend. While we are called to love our enemies, this does not mean we stand silent when evil threatens our world. Isaiah 1:17 says we are to correct oppression and bring justice to those who cannot stand up for themselves, knowing Jesus will return to establish perfect justice. 4. Trust. God is a God of love, but He is also a God of justice. Romans 12:19 says “Do not take revenge for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” God hears our prayers, and we can trust that He will not let evil go unpunished. It’s frustrating to live in a world full of wickedness, but don’t lose heart. As Christians, we are called to love sinners (ourselves included), to defend the weak, to trust in God’s character and timing, and to pray. God responds to our prayers and reaches places we could not; He lifts the weight off our shoulders. Righteous anger can be good (and God gets righteously angry too), but it is important to give that anger over to God and submit to His rule. Only the gospel can transform lives and fully fix injustice. Wait on the Lord. He will make things right. • Deami O. • Have you ever been frustrated by the condition of the world around you, but felt powerless to do anything about it? The Bible says we don’t have to worry about the wicked. God will bring them to justice, and we can simply continue to love, pray, and stand up for what is right. return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God Hosea 12:6 (NIV)