The term ‘social justice’ is used widely around the world by the United Nations, governments, media outlets and not-for-profits to describe the fight for equality and human rights. International dates like the World Day of Social Justice are important, but without a Biblical view of justice, it’s easy for social justice to become nothing more than a trendy subject to debate.
As Christians, social justice means more than a movement.
Christine Erickson from Grace Church says there is a difference between social justice and Biblical justice. “Social justice has a ‘temporal view’ of address injustices in society, but biblical justice has eternity in mind and starts with seeing people as God sees them,” she writes.
The theme of justice is weaved into God’s character and evident throughout the Bible and Jesus’ time on earth. Here are our favourite Bible verses that talk about justice:
Justice is a part of God's character
“He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.” – Deuteronomy 10:18
“He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He.” – Deuteronomy 32:4
“The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.” – Psalm 33:5
“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.” – Psalm 89:14
Pursuing justice as Christians
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” – Isaiah 1:17
“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” –Psalm 82:3
“Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right.” – Psalm 106:3
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” – Proverbs 31:8-9
“Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.” – Proverbs 28:27
What does the Bible teach us about Justice?
Justice is central to the character, heart and ministry of Jesus Christ. From the Old Testament through to Jesus’ life in the New Testament, God’s heart for the poor, defenceless and vulnerable is wondrous!
Seeking justice may involve delving into a topic like human trafficking, workers' rights and more, but when we reflect on what the Bible says, justice goes beyond a single cause. A Biblical view of justice teaches us to look to God’s standard of right and wrong. It’s a lifestyle that adopts Christlikeness in the way we see the world and serve people. Social justice is an extension of God’s love and work in protecting and defending those who can’t defend themselves.
It’s also encouraging to note that God promises that those who pursue justice and extend their heart and hands to the poor, will be blessed and lack nothing. At Compassion, we believe it’s more blessed to give than to receive—check out these beautiful photos of the moment a sponsor meets their sponsored child for the first time.
Sponsor a child today and make an eternal difference.
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All Bible verses are taken from the New International Version.
