"When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers." (Prov. 21:15)

I've been struggling lately with the truths of justice. Perhaps, like me, you have been wronged lately. You have been pushed around or taken advantage of. The situations of unfairness have invaded your life. And then you feel tension between humility and standing up for what you think is right. So you find yourself either vengeful or passive. But are those the only alternatives in dealing with injustice? Are those our only options?

We all agree that bad things sometimes happen to good people. It is rotten, unfair, ugly and unnecessary. But, these things do not escape God. The character of Job, in the bible, voices his complaint, "Surely God does not reject a blameless man or strengthen the hands of evildoers." (Job 8:20) Although, early in the story of Job he makes a powerful statement about his faith while dealing with injustice. "Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" (Job 2:10) Job believes that although bad things happen nothing is outside of God's control. This concept is called the 'Sovereignty' of God. It's not saying that God makes bad things happen. Bad things happen because we live in a sinful, broken world with sinful people. But even sinful and evil acts have to answer to God. God is in control.

We may also agree that humility was the mark and mission of Christ Jesus. In all things he humble himself by becoming human, living beneath his right, enduring the scorn of sinners, and suffering death. (Phil. 2:5-11) While Christ was on the earth living humbly he commanded us to live the same. Numerous times he preached about loving enemies or giving without expecting in return. He talked about taking a beating, enduring a robbery, or allowing persecution and doing it all without retaliation or resistance. (Matt. 5-7) This humility-driven lifestyle was radical to the people of that day. Truthfully, it's still pretty hard to swallow today.

So what do we do if God is in control, allowing injustice, and then commanding us to live with humility? Is there any hope for standing up for ourselves? Are we just supposed to be walked all over and be ok with it?

After examining scripture I have come to a conclusion; justice is not about me, it's about God.

You and I can come up with great ideas to carry out our so-called justice, but if it's without God, ultimately it will turn out as self-seeking gain or revenge. Only God can truly carry out justice with pure motivation and purpose. In the verse from Proverbs at the begging it says justice brings joy to the righteous. These righteous people are those who are living godly lives. They aren't caught up in arrogant sin, deceitfulness, bitterness, or greed. They are people who want God to get all the glory and attention. The good news is that it's possible for us to be part of the plan of justice that gets God all the attention.

Before you seek to be a part of God's plan to bring justice to your life or those around you make sure it's about God and not about you. Get excited though that God is looking for people on this earth to agree with Him about the need for justice. He longs for us to set aside the petty and simple and seek to carry out his plan of justice for the poor, the lost, the broken, the needy, the oppressed, and the humble.

Love justice - God's kind of justice.

- Josh