Doing justice

You shall not follow a crowd to do evil; nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after many to pervert justice. – Exodus 23:2

In the decades after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., the US national holiday established to commemorate his birth has also become a day to remember the cause in which he gave his life.

In the ’50s and ’60s, Dr. King led a nonviolent struggle against racial discrimination and issued a plea for the civil rights of African-Americans. His goal was justice and equality based on human dignity, not skin color.

From Old Testament days until now, God has commanded His people to exercise justice in their dealings with others. "You shall not follow a crowd to do evil; nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after many to pervert justice" (Ex. 23:2).

"He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Mic. 6:8).

Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for doing their religious duties while neglecting "justice and the love of God" (Luke 11:42).

To treat people with fairness and integrity is part of our responsibility as Christians. Standing publicly for what is right is required of us as well.

May we honor God by living out truth in action in our world today.

– David McCasland

Justice is the clarion call for Christians –

We cannot step aside from what God said;

He has told us how to treat our neighbor,

And we must follow in the path He’s led.

– Hess

READ: Exodus 23:1-9

God’s standard of justice leaves no room for prejudice.

The Bible in one year:

• Genesis 39-40

• Matthew 11