6.5 Hold Fast to Love and Justice
Holding on to Love and Justice – God’s Way for Us
Read Matthew 5:43–48. What does this passage teach us about God’s amazing love? How should we behave toward others in light of Jesus’ teaching?
The Bible repeatedly shows us that God is not only love but also perfectly just. Deuteronomy 7:9 reminds us that God is faithful and keeps His covenant of love and mercy with those who love Him and obey His commandments. This means: God’s love is not just a feeling; it is firmly founded on faithfulness, truth, and justice.
-
God’s Love Is Perfect – Even for His Enemies
Jesus calls us in Matthew 5:43–48 not only to love those who love us but also our enemies. Why? Because that is exactly what God does!
-
He loves all humanity – even those who reject Him.
-
He makes His sun shine on both the righteous and the unrighteous.
-
He shows mercy in order to bring people to repentance.
This means for us: if we want to be God’s children, we must live in the same kind of love. This is not a human love that demands conditions; it is a divine love that gives – regardless of the other’s response.
Everyday Application: Love is not just meant for “easy” situations. It is especially evident when we deal with difficult people. True discipleship means being shaped by God’s love and doing good even to those who are not kind to us.
-
Love and Justice Belong Together
Often, love is portrayed as the opposite of justice – but the Bible shows that both are inextricably linked. Psalm 85:10 says, “Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed.” This means:
-
God’s love does not override justice.
-
Justice without love would be cold and harsh.
-
Love without justice would be naïve and inconsistent.
In Hosea 12:7 we are called to preserve both love and justice. God’s love is not arbitrary; it respects His perfect law of truth. This means: He does not simply forgive but offers true renewal and change.
Everyday Application: If we want to live according to God’s example, we must act in both love and truth. This means treating people with mercy while also standing up for justice – especially for the weak and oppressed.
-
Perfect Justice Comes from God
While we strive for justice in this world, we can also trust that in the end God Himself will ensure perfect justice (Romans 2:5).
-
In Revelation, it is described how all nations will worship God because His judgments have been revealed (Revelation 15:3–4).
-
We can trust that nothing will go unseen – God will bring everything to its just end.
Everyday Application: We should not only pursue justice but also trust that God will ultimately right every wrong. This guards us against being overwhelmed by bitterness or thoughts of revenge.
Conclusion: A Life of Love and Justice
God not only calls us to preserve love and justice – He Himself lives them perfectly. He is faithful, just, full of mercy, and truth.
-
He loves unconditionally – therefore, we should also love our enemies.
-
He links love with justice – therefore, we should live according to the truth.
-
He will judge all things justly in the end – therefore, we may trust Him.
Our Mission: Let us actively live out love and justice – in our behavior, our relationships, and our faith. God has given us both so that we may reflect Him in this world.
Isaiah 25:1 declares, “Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you, I will praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.” How can we learn to praise God even in difficult times? In what way can your life be a praise to God, promoting justice within your sphere of influence?
Isaiah 25:1 reminds us that God is faithful and true – regardless of our circumstances. But how can we learn to praise Him when we are in difficult times?
-
To Praise Means to Trust in God’s Plan
-
In hard times, it can be difficult to see God’s goodness. Yet the Bible teaches us that God remains faithful, even when we do not immediately recognize it (Romans 8:28).
-
Job praised God even in his suffering: “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised!” (Job 1:21).
Practical Application: Praise God not only for the good but also for His faithfulness in hard times. Remember: He has the bigger picture even when you cannot see it.
-
Praise Changes Our Perspective
-
Psalm 34:2 says, “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
-
Praise helps us shift our focus from our problems to God’s greatness.
-
Paul and Silas praised God in prison – and a miracle happened (Acts 16:25–26).
Practical Application: Even when you feel down, try to thank God for what He has already done. This will change your perspective!
-
Our Life as a Praise to God
How can our everyday life be a praise?
-
By living out God’s justice: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” (Matthew 5:6).
-
By showing mercy: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you” (Luke 6:27).
-
By standing up for truth and justice: In a world full of injustice, our lives can be a testimony to God’s love and justice.
Practical Application: Stand up for fairness, compassion, and truth – whether in your family, at work, or in your community. Your attitude and actions can be a living praise to God.
Conclusion: A Heart of Praise Despite All Circumstances
-
To praise God means to trust Him in every situation.
-
Praise changes our hearts and directs our gaze toward God.
-
Our lives can be a praise when we bring justice and love into the world.
No matter what you go through: choose to praise God – for He is faithful and true!
God’s call to preserve love and justice is not a theoretical teaching – it is a daily challenge and an active lifestyle. Our faith should not only exist in theory but be concretely reflected in our everyday life.
-
Love and Justice as Lived Principles
-
God’s love is unconditional, but it is not unjust. It stands against sin while offering grace and forgiveness.
-
Justice without love becomes hard and cold. Love without justice is naïve and overly lenient toward injustice.
-
Psalm 85:10: “Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed.”
-
Jesus calls us to love not only our friends but also our enemies (Matthew 5:43–48).
Everyday Application: Examine your own behavior – do you act justly in your relationships, at work, in your family? Do you show love even toward difficult people?
-
Praising God Means Trusting Him Even in Difficult Times
Isaiah 25:1 says, “Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you, I will praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.”
-
Praising God when everything is going well is easy. Yet true spiritual maturity is shown when we praise Him even in times of suffering and uncertainty.
-
Job (Job 1:21) praised God despite his great loss.
-
Paul and Silas praised God in prison (Acts 16:25–26) – and God worked a miracle.
Everyday Application: Even when you are in difficult situations, consciously thank God for the good He has already done. This helps you develop an attitude of trust.
-
Our Life as a Praise to God – Standing Up for Justice
Our praise should not only be in words but also in our actions. Our everyday life can glorify God when we stand up for love and justice.
-
Living out God’s justice: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” (Matthew 5:6).
-
Showing mercy: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you” (Luke 6:27).
-
Standing up for truth and justice: God calls us to actively oppose injustice.
Everyday Application: Advocate for fairness, honesty, and compassion – in your family, at work, or in your community. Your actions can be a living praise to God.
Conclusion: A Life That Honors God
-
Praise God even in difficult times – it shows your trust in Him.
-
Cling to love and justice – because both are inextricably linked.
-
Live a life that honors God – through your words and your actions.
No matter what happens in your life: choose to trust God, practice justice, and show love. That is true Christianity in everyday life.
