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Writer's pictureAllison Freytes

Who is God's Justice For?

In this series that we have been calling "Just Love," we have been exploring the concept of biblical justice. In Scripture, justice manifests in two primary forms:


Retributive Justice: This approach emphasizes punishment for wrongdoing. It seeks to hold individuals accountable for the harm they've caused.


Restorative Justice: This perspective goes beyond mere punishment. It involves repairing the damage and restoring relationships, focusing on transformation rather than just retribution.


Last week, we explored the idea of being a neighbor to others as a way of expressing justice in the world around us. Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan challenges us to rethink our understanding of who we are called to love. Rather than asking, “Who is my neighbor?” which can limit our scope, Jesus encourages us to consider, “Who can I help?”


This expansive view pushes us to be proactive in our love and service, embodying the role of a neighbor to all, regardless of their status or background. In fact, Jesus often showed special favor to people who were of low social status and who would not be able to "pay back" their debt. With this in mind, the question for today is: Are there specific people we should be trying to make our neighbors?


Who is Justice For?


Throughout the Bible, God commands His people to care for specific groups who are often marginalized and overlooked:


1. Widows

2. Orphans

3. Foreigners

4. The poor


These groups represent those who are vulnerable and easily denied justice. Scripture repeatedly emphasizes the importance of ensuring these individuals receive the justice and care they deserve. Just take a look throughout the Scriptures and you will see this emphasis:


Zechariah 7:9-10

9 “This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. 10 Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.


Proverbs 31:8-9

8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.

9 Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.


Jeremiah 22:3

3 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. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place.


Psalm 146:7-9

7 He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free,

8 the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous.

9 The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.


Did you see that? The Lord is on the side of the oppressed and marginalized. God does not let evil have the final word, but is constantly working to redeem and restore.


The essence of biblical justice is captured in the concepts of compassion and mercy. As we noted last week, these are not mere add-ons but are central to the practice of justice. God’s justice involves lifting up the oppressed, providing for the needy, and ensuring the well-being of those often neglected by society.


The prophet Amos provided a powerful critique of his time, highlighting the disconnect between worship and justice. He lamented that justice had become like a “dried-up pond” and warned of judgment for those who failed to practice righteousness and justice. Amos makes it clear that if we are not people of justice, we are not people of God.


Amos’ vision for a day when “justice rolls on like a river” and “righteousness like a never-failing stream” stands as a powerful image of what God desires—a vibrant, flowing expression of justice that permeates all aspects of life.


God's justice is abundant, like flowing water in a river. His compassion and mercy are enough for all of the problems that we see in the world. And the more we seek the Lord, the more we will desire to bring justice for those who do not have it.


Final Reflection


It is important to remember that we are not called to "act justly" in isolation; the call to justice is not only for individuals, it is to the whole church. So if you feel overwhelmed by this calling, know that you are called to act justly and love mercy and walk humbly with God in your community. In your context. You do not have to solve all the world's problems; you just need to show up for and respond to the people around you, and listen to the Spirit's call on your life.


Justice is not optional; it is essential to God. We have to be willing to participate in God's justice. But what does that look like in our age and cultural context? Maybe the "widow" in 2024 is a literal widow; maybe it is a single mother or a divorcee. Maybe the "orphan" could be children whose parents work overtime to provide for their family. Think about your own context and ask yourself: who am I called to show God's just love to?  Then go and do it.


Original sermon by Pastor Mario Flores

Blog post adaptation by Allison Freytes

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