Articles
Understanding Justice
God, being the loving creator of us all, gave us free will. Therefore, all individuals are allowed to choose whether they will align themselves with God’s standard of right and wrong. When humans seek out justice, they are tempted to support the conditions that favor themselves, even if that path goes against the wishes of God. In the latter half of Deuteronomy 19, the Bible discusses trials regarding witnesses. In regards to malicious witnesses that accuse falsely and purposefully speak wrong testimony, Deuteronomy 19:19-21 (ESV) says, “then you shall do to him as he had meant to do to his brother. So you shall purge the evil from your midst. And the rest shall hear and fear, and shall never again commit any such evil among you. Your eye shall not pity. It shall be life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” In this sense of justice, the accused can easily vindicate any emotional trauma caused by the false accuser. Our tense emotions like the idea of getting even, especially when we suffer because of others. Thus, the world clings to Deuteronomy 19:21 by creating the phrase, “Don’t get mad, get even.”
This old law had its time and place in human history, but Jesus Christ, the son of God, replaced the old laws with a new standard. Jesus Christ taught us not to be peace keepers, but peace makers. An eye for an eye creates a vicious cycle of bloodshed. As new blood is shed to bring justice for old crimes, even newer blood needs to be shed in its place. To stop this cycle, Jesus taught us to have love for our enemies. In Matthew 5:38-39 (ESV), Jesus says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” This isn’t an invitation for us to become punching bags in order to appease people or keep the peace. These verses imply that children of God should fight acts of evil with love.
Paul reiterates this point in Romans 12:17-21 (ESV) when he writes, ”Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ To the contrary, ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Jesus Christ tells us to fight evil by becoming peace makers. To be a peace maker, one must use sound biblical discernment to guide others to spiritual understanding by helping them realize the love of Christ. However, this can only be done if God’s children have faith in Him and act according to His standard of right and wrong (Micah 6:8). Do you live by God’s standard? Do you trust that He is a provider of justice?
