This past week, I challenged myself to read the Bible more and follow a devotional plan. My faith has always been somewhat chaotic and inconsistent. I grew up Christian, but as I learned and heard different perspectives, I had doubts in my faith.
After talking to people and when looking at social media, the news, or even other Christians. I saw them on a high horse. It felt like they were looking down and judging others. And doing things to put them down.
It hurts when I hear close friends say that Christians act and think a certain way, making them feel unwelcome, whether it’s because they believe in a different God or in no God at all, because of where they’re from, or because of who they love or what they look like.
As I worked through my Bible study, which focused on seeking the Kingdom of God first, I felt a strong connection to the topic from day four: What is justice? Justice was defined as the belief that all humans are equal before God and deserve to be treated with dignity and fairness.
But the world doesn’t reflect that. Some Christians don’t show that at all.
Throughout history, both in biblical times and today, societies have brought others down to lift themselves up. We see this in many ways through war, in politics and in our personal lives.
Some people intentionally oppress others, while others benefit from unjust social structures without realizing it. The truth is, we all participate in injustice in some way, and most of us have felt the weight of unfairness and selfishness placed upon us by others.
The way we restore what’s broken is by pursuing righteousness. So, what does it mean to do righteousness?
It means being in the right relationship with God, with others, and with all creation. It means seeking out the vulnerable, helping them, and advocating for those who have no voice.
That’s why I want my faith to be truly centered around Christ, a man who embodied justice and righteousness perfectly. He was the ultimate advocate for all people. I wish more Christians would focus their faith on justice, righteousness and seeking God’s kingdom first.
Here is a verse that really stood out to me:
“This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor, the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place.”
Jeremiah 22:3
Corruption and greed will always exist. We can’t control everything, but justice starts with the choices we make every day, how we treat those around us. With genuine kindness and acceptance.
