Do Justice

A month ago I began to study and contemplate the meaning and implications of God's requirement to "do justice" in Micah 6:8. I quickly got stuck, paralyzed by the vast opinions and interpretations regarding justice in Christendom and society at large. Today I take a step of faith, trusting that God will teach you and me about justice. I am not attempting to exhaust the topic of biblical justice in this post.  I am merely trying to seek understanding of God's Word and share my finite findings with you.

The basic meaning of the Hebrew verb, 'āśâ, is to "do" or "make." 'Ãśâ is often used in relation to ethical obligation. Micah 6:8 and many other passages in which this concept occurs in Scripture, affirms the significance of an ethical response to God that exceeds thinking and results in obedience through a demonstrable act.[1] The Hebrew noun, mishpāt meaning justice, refers to rightness rooted in God’s character. Mishpāt is to be an attribute of people and the judicial process among them.[2]

A basic meaning of 'āśâ mishpāt is to do justice or to treat all people fairly, regardless of ethnicity, social class, gender, etc. [3] Mishpāt also includes giving people their rights. In Deuteronomy 18 the priests of the tabernacle are supported by a certain percentage of the people's income. This financial support is called the priests' mishpāt; it is their due or right. Mishpāt is giving people what they are due, whether it is punishment, protection or care. [4] In addition, Scripture often pairs mishpāt with caring for the most vulnerable people groups: widows, orphans, immigrants and the poor.[5]

Micah 6:8 teaches that God requires His people to be just. God is the God of justice, who loves justice (Isa. 30:18; Psalm 37:28). All true justice finds its source in God Himself. Just decisions and actions are those that align with God’s character. Throughout history God has delivered the oppressed, set the captives free and cared for the sojourners, fatherless and widows. Just as believers love because God loves them, believers do justice because God does justice. [6] The grace of God makes believers just. Believers are not saved by good works but are saved by grace and faith; a grace and faith that transforms their life and manifests in good works.[7]

In a Relevant Magazine article titled “What is Biblical Justice?” Tim Keller said:

"If you are trying to live a life in accordance with the Bible, the concept and call to justice are inescapable. We do justice when we give all human beings their due as creations of God. Doing justice includes not only the righting of wrongs but generosity and social concern, especially toward the poor and vulnerable."[8]

The practical implications of doing justice are numerous. Both individuals and institutions (churches, government, judicial systems, etc.) have a responsibility to do justice in their context. How are you doing justice in your context?

I am blessed to be surrounded by people who are consistently doing justice. Antoinette does justice by treating single mothers as image-bearers, worthy of dignity and respect instead of condemning them as moral failures. Greg did justice by writing a letter of recommendation to a judge on behalf of his neighbor, whose case is being treated unfairly, because Greg believes that his neighbor has proven himself to be a positive and meaningful asset to the community.  Jenny is doing justice by challenging young minorities to reach their full potential in a society where they are robbed of opportunities because of economic and racial inequalities.  Laura did justice by creating a film that unveils the horrific reality of sex trafficking and challenges the audience to respond. I do justice by advocating for the needs and desires of the Upstream Impact women that I case manage to ensure that their best interests are considered in the design and implementation of the program.

Believers, God has told you what is good and what is required of you: Do Justice.

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[1] Harris, R. Laird, Gleason L. Archer and Bruce K. Walker, Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, Volume 2 (Chicago: Moody Press, 1980), 701.

[2] Ibid. 949

[3] Keller, Tim. "What Is Biblical Justice?" RELEVANT Magazine. http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/practical-faith/what-biblical-justice (accessed October 4, 2013).

[4] Ibid

[5] Ibid

[6] ESV Study Bible (Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway, 2008), 1412.

[7] Scharold , Kristen . "Tim Keller: What We Owe the Poor." Christianity Today. http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2010/december/10.69.html (accessed October 4, 2013).

[8] Keller, Tim. "What Is Biblical Justice?" RELEVANT Magazine. http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/practical-faith/what-biblical-justice (accessed October 4, 2013).