Desiring Justice By Cortney Donelson

"Stolen" from publicdomainpictures.net

I think we all desire justice. I wonder if we truly recognize what justice is in the eyes of Jesus? What if the real meaning of justice can be found by experiencing it from a Holy perspective? What if it isn’t about righting wrongs or punishing the guilty? Perhaps the justice Jesus introduced to the world is more about the reconciliation of relationships rather than about the consequences due...

Every time someone asked Jesus, “How can I get to heaven?” he replied, “Love God and love people.” He never responded with “Pray a prayer” or “Stop doing wrong.” Jesus is all about love and relationship. God sent His Son to die in our place in order to reconcile us to Him, to mend the broken relationship caused by our sin. Jesus took on this sin, despite being sinless Himself.  He was tried, punished, and killed in the name of “justice.” Despite these injustices, God’s true justice prevailed. Death was overcome. Christ is risen and continues to be our truth, our way, and our life – our gateway to eternity with God.  

Love God. Love people. Justice among each other can be achieved in the same way. Think about it. When someone hurts us, can the wrong ever truly be undone? When words slice our hearts, can they be taken back with revenge? When trust is broken, will separation repair it? When someone intentionally takes another’s life, can we punish him or her enough to bring the person back to life? The simple answer is no. Rather, justice can be achieved through the reconciliation of that broken relationship, when hearts are made whole and love prevails. Justice is forgiveness. Justice is mercy that leads to redemption. Justice cannot stand apart from grace if we are to love people the way God intended – the way He loves us.

While there will be a day when we all face God as judge, Jesus provides us with the promise that true justice has already been won if we put our faith in Him. Forgiveness. Repentance. Mercy. Perhaps these are the foundations of true justice, one in which loving rightness redeems so much more than punishment ever could. 

Prayer: I am so thankful that You are the Father of justice. I pray we all realize that the gold standard of justice was found when Jesus bridged the gap between You and us.  May we always seek reconciliation, making ourselves less and You more. In Jesus's name, I pray. Amen.

Influenced by Micah 6:8, my story as told in the book Clay Jar, Cracked, and my prayer life.

©2012-2017 Cortney Donelson. All rights reserved.

Cortney's book, Clay Jar, Cracked: When We're Broken But Not Shattered is available now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers, as well as at www.cortneydonelson.com! Visit www.cortneydonelson.com for more information and to learn about the "I'm a Clay Jar" Encourager Class for groups! To schedule speaking engagements, please email Cortney directly.