12.4 Called to Establish Justice
Justice as a Lived-Out Faith
The Bible is clear: God’s heart beats for justice. From the prophets of the Old Testament to Jesus himself, it is repeatedly emphasized that a credible faith cannot exist without justice.
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The Urgency of Justice in Scripture
Isaiah and Jeremiah raise their voices against social injustice, oppression, and exploitation. They show that justice is not only a religious duty but a fundamental requirement for a God-pleasing society.
Isaiah 1:17 calls us to:
Do good.
Seek justice.
Help the oppressed.
Defend the fatherless and the widow.
These words are not empty appeals but concrete instructions for our lives.
Similarly, Jeremiah denounces social injustice and makes it clear that:
Justice is not just a political issue but a spiritual one.
Those who exploit the weak act against God’s will.
True faith is demonstrated by advocating for the poor and the oppressed.
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The Connection to Our Daily Lives
It is not enough to believe – faith must be visible in our actions.
In the family:
• Honesty and fairness in parenting.
• Mutual appreciation and respect.
In society:
• Standing against social injustice and exclusion.
• Supporting those who have no voice.
In the church:
• Being an open and just community where no one is overlooked or disadvantaged.
• Offering help not only within the church but also in the wider society.
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Our Calling as Christians
God calls us not just to be spectators but to actively stand up for justice.
Are we ready to fight for truth, love, and justice—even when it is uncomfortable?
Jesus himself was an advocate for the weak—are we willing to follow him?
Justice is not optional—it is the core of a living faith. Whoever truly loves God will stand up for justice.
Read Matthew 23:23-30 What does Jesus teach here about what is most important? What do you think he means by the “most important” things?
In Matthew 23:23-30, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees and teachers of the law for their hypocrisy and misplaced priorities. They focus on minor religious details while neglecting the “most important” aspects of the law: justice, mercy, and faith.
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What does Jesus say is “most important”?
Justice – Advocating for fairness and righteousness.
Mercy – Treating people with love rather than just judging by the law.
Faith – Trusting God sincerely, not just following rituals.
Jesus makes it clear: outward religiousness alone is not enough. Faith that is not shaped by love, justice, and true trust in God is empty and hypocritical.
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Why is this relevant today?
One might think that these words were only meant for the Pharisees back then—but they are also a warning for us:
Do we sometimes prioritize religious duties over true love for our neighbor?
Do we follow traditions while forgetting the people around us?
Do we do the right thing out of love—or just out of obligation?
Jesus warns us against reducing faith to appearances while our hearts remain distant from God’s love.
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Our Mission: Living Out Justice and Love
Faith should transform life—not just our behavior, but our hearts.
Justice should be actively practiced—not only in major political issues but in everyday life.
Mercy is essential—we should treat others with the same grace that God gives us.
Faith without love is empty. Jesus calls us to go beyond religious obligations and truly live out what is most important: justice, mercy, and trust in God.
How would it look if you focused on “the most important things” today, instead of the “tithing of mint, dill, and cumin,” which we might tend to focus on instead?
When Jesus speaks of “the most important things” in Matthew 23:23—justice, mercy, and faith—he prioritizes these values over minor religious duties and outward rituals.
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The Difference Between “The Most Important” and Religious Details
The Pharisees strictly observed minor laws (such as tithing on mint, dill, and cumin), but they neglected the heart of God’s law: true justice, mercy, and deep trust in God.
If I live by “the most important”:
I stand up for justice instead of just behaving “correctly.”
I actively practice mercy instead of judging people by rules.
I live my faith with genuine trust rather than just performing religious duties.
If I focus on minor religious details instead:
I make sure to say all the “right” prayers but neglect how I treat others.
I attend church but ignore the needs of those around me.
I follow rules, but my heart remains hardened to suffering and injustice.
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What Does This Mean in My Daily Life?
In family life:
Most important – Listening patiently, practicing forgiveness, showing love.
Less important – Enforcing perfect order in the home but having no time for family.
In church:
Most important – Welcoming people, caring for the weak.
Less important – Focusing only on external forms (such as how someone is dressed).
In society:
Most important – Being honest, not ignoring injustice, helping the needy.
Less important – Worrying only about what others think of me.
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A Conscious Decision
Today, I can decide: Do I focus on “the most important” or on religious details?
Do I choose justice—or do I stay silent in the face of injustice?
Do I show true mercy—or just superficial kindness?
Do I truly trust God—or do I only follow outward religious practices?
Jesus calls us to go beyond mere obedience to commandments and let our lives be shaped by his love and justice. If I prioritize “the most important,” not only will my faith be transformed, but so will my surroundings. True discipleship is not about religious details but about lived love. 
Justice is not just a concept; it is a lifestyle that God expects from us. The Bible makes it clear: True faith is shown not only in prayers and rituals but in how we treat others.
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Justice is God’s Nature – and Our Mission
From the Old Testament prophets to Jesus himself, we see that God views justice as a central expression of faith.
Isaiah 1:17 calls us to:
Do good.
Seek justice.
Help the oppressed.
Defend orphans and widows.
Matthew 23:23 shows that Jesus sets the same priorities:
Justice – Standing up for righteousness and truth.
Mercy – Showing love and compassion.
Faith – Trusting God sincerely, not just in words.
This means: Whoever loves God actively stands up for justice.
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What Does This Mean for Our Daily Life?
In the family:
Important: Showing love, resolving conflicts with respect, raising children fairly.
Less important: Enforcing strict rules without understanding the heart behind them.
In the church:
Important: Being an open, warm-hearted community that welcomes everyone.
Less important: Focusing only on appearances (such as dress codes or traditions).
In society:
Important: Standing up for justice, not ignoring wrongdoing.
Less important: Caring only about personal success and comfort.
Justice begins in small things—in our daily lives, our relationships, and our decisions.
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A Challenging Mission – Are We Ready?
