In the news and on socials, we hear a lot about justice. Our friends, family members, and culture are full of ideas about how to define it and fight for it. It can also be a rather divisive topic, especially in political debates or between people groups. And sometimes, we allow our culture to influence how we understand the Bible’s use of an important concept like this. But what if we pause for a moment to consider what the Bible means when it uses the word “justice,” especially in the Old Testament? And what if we ask God for an open mind to both understand and promote the kind of justice closest to his heart?
The Hebrew word often translated “justice” is מִשְׁפָּט (mišpāṭ) and can also be interpreted as judgment, case, or claim. According to one Hebrew translation of the Old Testament, the word shows up 406 times in the Old Testament. That’s quite a lot!
Here’s an example from a pretty well-known verse: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To mišpāṭ (act justly) and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).
If you read the Old Testament, God seems particularly concerned with injustice toward four groups of people: the poor and needy, orphans, widows, and strangers or immigrants. In the ancient world, and today, these groups tend to be the most vulnerable in almost every culture. They don’t have the resources to meet basic human needs and are typically separated from family systems and support. They are also more likely to run into language and cultural barriers. God really cares about these groups, but also those who are most vulnerable in general.
But he’s not just concerned, he expects his people to be like him—fighting for mišpāṭ (justice), and not causing injustice.
A great example of this is found in Deuteronomy: “…He is the great God… who shows no partiality and cannot be bribed. He ensures that orphans and widows receive justice. He shows love to the foreigners living among you and gives them food and clothing. So you, too, must show love to foreigners…” (10:17-19).
This passage comes from a book that regularly reminds the people of Israel that God saw the injustice and oppression they were experiencing in Egypt as slaves and came to rescue them. And because they were rescued, he expects them to become a rescuing people.
One of the ways God fights for justice for the oppressed and vulnerable is through the obedience of his people. For us today, especially in the West, we may not have been rescued from slavery, but Jesus has rescued us from sin and death. Because we are rescued, God expects us to be especially sensitive to those who need help. Which brings us back to the Micah passage. What does God expect of us? What does he want us to do? To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with him.
So what might this look like? A great place to start could be using this prayer to see what sorts of injustice God might be drawing to your attention:
Justice Maker and Justice Keeper, you care about the most vulnerable. You defend the orphan, the widow, and the immigrant. Father of All, you created the people of every nation, tribe, and tongue to be your children and know your love. Please look down and see the rampant injustice in this world. Today, I’m especially bothered by _________. Please stop these agents of darkness from causing any more pain, and help me see what I can do to join you in making things right. Amen.
Praying is an immensely powerful beginning, but God also expects us to get involved— to pray with our hands and feet, so to speak. Obviously, issues of justice tend to be really big and usually more complex than we can imagine. Oftentimes, they’re global, or at least nationwide. So how can we make a difference in something so large?
Well, it begins with the small acts of compassion and mercy we can offer those around us, and continues when we notice someone who’s vulnerable and care for them in some way. Don’t feel like you have to radically transform a cultural norm, run for politics, or change a corporation. Instead, ask God to help you see small acts of justice that fit within the skills, abilities, and influence you have.
It could be as simple as a friend who has a medical emergency and is struggling to pay for the hospital visit. Helping them cover these costs is helping someone vulnerable. Or maybe someone in your family is a single parent and struggles with childcare or making ends meet—making a meal or caring for their kids is a way you could show them God’s love. You could also get licensed as a respite foster care worker to be a safe short-term space for vulnerable children. Think about the clothing you purchase—is it made in a location that perpetuates cycles of indignity and injustice? Consider shopping secondhand. Or maybe someone in your life has posted on social about being treated unfairly. What if you reach out to them and simply say something like, “I saw your post and wanted to check in with you. I’m sorry for what you’ve experienced. How can I support you?”
It doesn’t have to be big… but it does need to start somewhere. How might God be calling you to fight for his justice in the world and show his love to those who are vulnerable?