Divided We Stand: How to Love When We DisagreeSample

Justice: Love In Public

Every person has the right to be viewed with value and treated with respect and dignity, simply by their nature being created in God’s image.

The problem is that throughout history, humanity has failed to do this. Civilizations have preyed on vulnerable people for their benefit. People have been categorized as less-than-human and victimized for personal gain. In one way or another, we’re all guilty of this.

Into all of that stepped—and still steps—Jesus. When He was on Earth, He loved the poor, oppressed, outcasts, and sinners. He sought out vulnerable people, loved them, protected them, and spoke worth and value into their lives. He revealed the heart of God, which was to restore justice to ones who couldn’t restore it for themselves. This is called restorative justice, and we are invited to join Him in this incredible Kingdom work.

Justice is a big deal to God. He cares about the vulnerable, destitute, poor, and needy. He talks about this throughout scripture, again and again, returning to this theme. We have a broken lens of how to treat each other. Not only is God seeking to heal our view of others, but He’s also asking us to participate with Him in their restoration. We do not stop at valuing others in a theoretical way—God asks us to get our hands dirty by loving, defending, and encouraging others.

What would it look like for you and me to make a concerted effort to lift the vulnerable in our communities? The new heart God has given us is made for loving others—let’s ask Him to enflame our new hearts for those around us. Let’s invite Him to break our hearts with what breaks His heart.

Reflection:

How might you actively join God in pursuing justice this week? A few ideas are below to get you started:

• Become a foster care parent or babysitter.
• Become a mentor in a local school.
• Befriend someone who’s in a marginalized or vulnerable state right now.
• Partner with school social workers to identify children who come to school hungry. Participate in bringing them food.
• Donate blood.
• Consistently visit a nursing home.