By being righteous we become “just” (4941). It is a requirement of the job. When the kids at school tell me I am crazy, I tell them it is a requirement of the job. I say there is a place the application that asks, “Are you crazy?” If you don’t check “yes” they don’t hire you. Some of the kids even believe me. God is constantly asking, “Are you willing to be just?” If we don’t answer yes, we have little claim on the job.
Justice is based on honesty. As followers of Jesus we are required to tell and live the truth. Since we are not post-modern, but Christian, we believe that there is truth and that it is based on the One who was the Way the Truth and the Life.
Justice is based on forgiveness. This is a required part of our spiritual walk. If we are not willing to forgive we will not be forgiven.
(Mark 11:26 KJV) But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.This cannot mean our initial forgiveness. That is part of coming to Christ. It must mean the ongoing forgiveness in the life of the believer revealed in the following verse:
(1 John 1:9 KJV) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.When we deal with others around us, part of justice is involved in being willing to forgive those who have wronged us. We have every right to demand retribution or restitution, but righteousness tempers the law with mercy. We are expected to turn the other cheek, go the extra mile, etc.
For those who think this is an idea that Jesus or Paul came up with, go back to the source. One of my favorites is:
(Micah 6:8 KJV) 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?So? We have a high calling. We are to be salt. We season the world by allowing the righteousness of God be demonstrated by our lives. Live it.
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