Justice seems to elude us on so many fronts. Accidents where people die or are mammed for life; senseless shooting sprees; people who cheat others by swindling them out of their life savings are a few big examples. These things weigh on us and slow us down.
Grieving the losses of unjust treatment is real. Loss of life is at or near the top of the pain list. The drip, drip, drip of repeated small losses can also direct us down the path towards hopelessness.
Anger is another side of dealing with justice not yet served. Recently I saw a person I had a lot of difficult business dealings with. He has caused problems for me and for friends of mine. I have actively forgiven him repeatedly, and I thought it was all behind me.
I was startled and astounded at the sense of violation I felt when I saw him, even from a distance. That sense of violation was quickly followed by thoughts of all the biting things I wanted to say to him. I was shocked at the vindictive nature of the words in my head that were trying to come out of my mouth. Up to this point I was not at all aware what was hiding in me. I handed it to the Lord as I asked for forgiveness and forgave him, again. As soon as I finished with that another fresh tirade filled my mind. This process was repeated several times.
When I shared this with a friend, she asked me if the justice issues between parties had been resolved. In fact, several of the issues are still not resolved, yet. That is when the light went on in my head and heart. I want justice and I have a choice. I can take it into my own hands, or I can let God handle it. Then I was reminded of what God’s perspective is. Let’s say he has the long view of it all.
“But the Lord sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice, and he judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness.” Psalm 9:7-8
“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.” Psalm 89:14
“for justice will return to the righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it.” Psalm 94:15
“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.'” Romans 12:19
All those nasty things that rose up in me had nothing to do with love and forgiveness. I was the one held captive by the bitterness that I allowed to take root in me. He felt none of it. I took a few days, sitting with these reminders then emotionally and spiritually handing him and my root of bitterness over to the just judge of Creation.
I guess I’ll need to wait until I see him again to know if I got all of the bitter root is out. In the mean time, I sense a deeper peace and I have reoriented myself. As long as I try to take God’s place justice will remain elusive. I can not be responsible for another’s behavior. It is not my job. I need to leave it with him and our Creator who has righteousness and justice as the foundation of his throne.
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
That is my job.
