“God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.” (Matthew 5:6 NLT)

Within the Church today is a growing hunger and thirst for justice. Rejoice, it’s one of the marks of Kingdom Disciples. Passion for justice is good! The Prophet Micah places it #1 on God’s list of what is good: “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)

Last time we focused on walk humbly, next time love mercy—today do justly. Kingdom Disciples make daily choices to be righteous, fair, impartial, honest and upright in all relationships within our families and in our communities. That is part of doing justly, but what do we do when we recognize injustice in society?

Many societies allow injustices such as:

• Racism
• Child abuse (in many forms)
• Human trafficking
• Oppression of women
• Corruption

Injustice is often accepted as part of how the world works. People’s beliefs and ideas about the world first come through family and culture. Some are true and some are false. Either way, ideas have consequences and affect how the world is viewed. Kingdom Disciples look to God’s Word and Spirit to discern between what it true and false. Romans 12:2 urges, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

God transforms the way we think and what we do. As we seek to know His will in response to the evils of injustice, He shows us what is good.

My African friends, Method and Mary, lived in Kenya in 1994 when terrible fighting broke out in neighboring Rwanda. The Hutu tribe was brutally attacking the Tutsi tribe. Refugees flooded into Kenya. Here is how these Kingdom Disciples responded to the injustice of racism and genocide:

“Refugees came to seek help at our church, which included many Rwandans. We received them and welcomed them into our houses. They were in much pain, were traumatized, fearful, and confused. We received about fifteen to twenty refugees in our own house, both ethnic groups, the Hutus and Tutsis. As we heard their stories, prayed for them and shared the Word of God to comfort them, God started touching their lives. They were set free, forgave each other and reconciliation began between the Hutus and Tutsis living with us.”

Method, Mary and their church did not react to injustice by pointing the finger as judges. They identified and worked with the people toward justice and reconciliation. God responded and those who hungered and thirsted for justice were satisfied. Eventually God called Method and Mary to go live in Rwanda and continue this work.

Question for reflection: What injustices do see? What would Jesus have you and your fellowship or church do?

Kingdom prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the power of Your truth to transform individuals, families and nations. When we see injustice, show us Your will.