Biblical Justice: Compassion, Truth, and Social Issues

Devotional

Day 1: Justice as a Reflection of God's Character

Justice is a fundamental aspect of God's nature, and as His followers, we are called to embody this attribute in our lives. The Bible emphasizes justice over 200 times, using the Hebrew word "mishpat," which means treating people with fairness and equity. This concept transcends cultural and social boundaries, urging believers to act justly in all circumstances. Justice is not merely a legal or social issue but a spiritual mandate that reflects God's heart for humanity. As Christians, we are to mirror God's justice in our actions and attitudes, ensuring that we treat everyone with the dignity and respect they deserve. [36:05]

Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you witnessed or experienced injustice. How can you actively work to bring fairness and equity into that situation today?

Day 2: Compassion for the Vulnerable

The Bible frequently links justice with compassion, especially towards vulnerable groups such as widows, orphans, immigrants, and the poor. These groups are mentioned repeatedly in both the Old and New Testaments, highlighting God's concern for those who are disadvantaged. Our justice must be accompanied by acts of kindness and mercy, reflecting God's heart for the vulnerable. This means not only advocating for their rights but also providing tangible support and care. As believers, we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, showing love and compassion to those who need it most. [39:05]

Zechariah 7:9-10 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart."

Reflection: Identify a vulnerable person or group in your community. What specific action can you take this week to show them kindness and support?

Day 3: Racism is Real and Wrong

Racism is a sin because it denies the equal value that God bestows on every human being. All people are created in God's image and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. As Christians, we must examine our hearts for any prejudices and seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to root them out. The tragic death of George Floyd and the subsequent protests have highlighted the ongoing issue of racism. As followers of Christ, we are called to stand against racism in all its forms and work towards reconciliation and justice for all people. [45:33]

James 2:1-4 (ESV): "My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, 'You sit here in a good place,' while you say to the poor man, 'You stand over there,' or, 'Sit down at my feet,' have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?"

Reflection: Reflect on your own attitudes and behaviors. Are there any prejudices you need to confess and address? How can you actively promote racial equality in your daily interactions?

Day 4: Balancing Truth and Grace in LGBTQ+ Issues

While the Bible clearly defines gender and condemns homosexual acts, it also calls us to love and show compassion to those who struggle with these issues. We must find ways to protect and support individuals without condoning sinful behavior, always remembering that Jesus came to save sinners, including us. This balance of truth and grace is crucial in addressing LGBTQ+ issues. We are called to uphold biblical principles while extending love and compassion to everyone, recognizing that we are all in need of God's grace. [52:51]

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (ESV): "Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."

Reflection: How can you show love and compassion to someone struggling with LGBTQ+ issues while still upholding biblical truth? What practical steps can you take to support them?

Day 5: The Sanctity of Life and Abortion

Life begins at conception, and unborn children are among the most vulnerable in our society. Christians must advocate for the protection of these lives while also showing compassion to women facing crisis pregnancies. Supporting organizations that help these women and considering fostering or adoption are practical ways to live out this justice. The sanctity of life is a core biblical principle, and we are called to defend it at all stages. This involves not only opposing abortion but also providing support and care for women and children in need. [59:11]

Psalm 139:13-16 (ESV): "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them."

Reflection: Consider how you can support the sanctity of life in your community. Is there an organization you can volunteer with or support financially? How can you offer practical help to women facing crisis pregnancies?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, everyone. Today, we delved into the complex and often contentious topic of social justice from a biblical perspective. Many Christians have a negative reaction to the term "social justice," often due to cultural and educational influences. However, we must consider what justice means in the context of our faith. We examined three major justice issues: racism, LGBTQ+ rights, and abortion, and how they align or conflict with biblical principles.

We began by discussing the tragic death of George Floyd and the subsequent protests. This event highlighted the ongoing issue of racism. As Christians, we must recognize that every person is created in the image of God and deserves justice and compassion. We then moved to the topic of LGBTQ+ rights, emphasizing that while we hold to biblical truths about gender and sexuality, we must also show grace and compassion to those who struggle with these issues. Finally, we touched on the topic of abortion, affirming that life begins at conception and that both unborn children and women in crisis pregnancies need our support and compassion.

The core message is that the God of the Bible cares deeply about justice, and so should we. We explored Micah 6:8, which calls us to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. Justice, or "mishpat" in Hebrew, means treating people with fairness and equity, and it is mentioned over 200 times in the Bible. We are called to show justice to the vulnerable and disadvantaged, such as widows, orphans, immigrants, and the poor.

We also looked at how Jesus exemplified justice and compassion in His ministry, helping the weak and oppressed. The New Testament continues this theme, urging us to care for the vulnerable. As we navigate these complex issues, we must balance truth with grace, showing love and compassion while upholding biblical principles.

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Key Takeaways

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2. Compassion for the Vulnerable: The Bible often links justice with compassion, especially towards the vulnerable groups like widows, orphans, immigrants, and the poor. These groups are frequently mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments, highlighting God's concern for those who are disadvantaged. Our justice must be accompanied by acts of kindness and mercy.

3. Racism is Real and Wrong: Racism is a sin because it denies the equal value that God bestows on every human being. All people are created in God's image and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. As Christians, we must examine our hearts for any prejudices and seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to root them out.

4. Balancing Truth and Grace in LGBTQ+ Issues: While the Bible clearly defines gender and condemns homosexual acts, it also calls us to love and show compassion to those who struggle with these issues. We must find ways to protect and support individuals without condoning sinful behavior, always remembering that Jesus came to save sinners, including us.

5. The Sanctity of Life and Abortion: Life begins at conception, and unborn children are among the most vulnerable in our society. Christians must advocate for the protection of these lives while also showing compassion to women facing crisis pregnancies. Supporting organizations that help these women and considering fostering or adoption are practical ways to live out this justice.

### [36:05]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[29:53] - Introduction to Social Justice
[30:48] - Racism and George Floyd
[31:50] - LGBTQ+ Rights and Biblical Truth
[33:16] - Biblical Foundation for Justice
[34:46] - Micah 6:8 and Walking Humbly with God
[36:05] - Understanding Mishpat (Justice)
[37:38] - Who Needs Justice?
[39:05] - Compassion and Justice
[40:25] - God's Heart for the Vulnerable
[41:59] - New Testament Teachings on Justice
[42:48] - Applying Biblical Principles to Justice Issues
[43:34] - Racism: Real and Wrong
[49:06] - Supporting Urban Ministries
[49:57] - LGBTQ+ Rights: Balancing Truth and Grace
[55:20] - Protecting Children from Unbiblical Ideas
[57:44] - Abortion: Life Begins at Conception
[59:11] - Supporting Women in Crisis Pregnancies
[60:35] - Seven Summary Statements
[61:47] - How Are We Doing Justice?
[62:15] - Jesus as Our Example
[63:20] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to Micah 6:8, what three things does the Lord require of us?
How does Genesis 1:27 describe the creation of humanity, and what does this imply about the value of every person?
In Psalm 146:7-9, what actions does the Lord take to show His justice and compassion?

Interpretation Questions

How does the concept of "mishpat" (justice) in Micah 6:8 challenge or align with modern views of social justice? [33:16]
What does it mean to treat people with fairness and equity as described in the sermon, and how does this relate to the biblical understanding of justice? [36:05]
How can Christians balance truth and grace when addressing LGBTQ+ issues, according to the sermon? [52:51]
Why is it important for Christians to show compassion to the vulnerable, such as widows, orphans, immigrants, and the poor, as highlighted in the sermon? [39:05]

Application Questions

Reflect on your own heart: Are there any prejudices or biases you need to address to treat others with the fairness and equity that "mishpat" calls for? How can you seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in this area? [45:33]
How can you practically show compassion and support to someone in your community who is struggling with issues related to racism, LGBTQ+ rights, or crisis pregnancies? [49:06]
Think about a time when you had to balance truth and grace in a difficult conversation. How did you handle it, and what could you do differently next time to better reflect Jesus' example? [52:51]
Identify a vulnerable group in your local area (e.g., immigrants, the poor, single mothers). What specific actions can you take this week to support and advocate for them? [39:05]
How can you and your small group get involved in supporting urban ministries or organizations that help the disadvantaged, as suggested in the sermon? [49:57]
Consider the issue of abortion: How can you offer both truth and compassion to women facing crisis pregnancies, and what steps can you take to support life-affirming choices? [59:11]
Reflect on Micah 6:8: What is one specific way you can "do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God" in your daily life this week? [33:16]

Sermon Clips

1. "But I want you to think about it. Think with me now. What are some of the biggest justice issues we hear about in the news? I want to mention three that have dominated the conversation the last couple of years. And I want to take you back to 2020 on May 25th. An African-American man named George Floyd died while being arrested. A police officer held his knee on the back of Mr. Floyd's neck for nine minutes while he was face down on the ground. And this ultimately contributed to his death. Now, I've read a lot about George. Floyd's criminal record, his drug use and how he was resisting arrest. And all that might be true. But this man was created in the image of God and his death was a tragedy." [30:48] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The world's idea of justice is often very different than God's. The world often misdiagnoses the problem, and then it offers unbiblical solutions. But still, I believe that our God cares about justice. And that's the big idea for this message. The God of the Bible cares about justice, and so should we. Now, I have to be honest, this is a difficult topic. I've studied biblical justice, but I've never preached on it. And I hope you'll extend grace to me as we wrestle with some difficult topics." [32:16] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Micah also says that we are to love kindness. Some translations say mercy. The actual word in Hebrew is kesed. And when the word is used of God, it refers to God's unconditional compassion and grace. This is the Old Testament word for grace. We are to show compassion and grace to others because we've experienced it from God. We've experienced it from Jesus. I think Micah is using this word to challenge us at the heart level. Do we have a heart of compassion for the people around us?" [34:46] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "I've heard some believers say, I think Christians should forget about justice and just focus on the gospel. But what does God say? He says that he wants us to do mishpat, justice. If you, like me, believe that God's word is authoritative for how we should live, then we need to look at these 200 verses about justice. If you, like me, believe that God's word is authoritative for how we should live, then we need to look at these 200 verses about justice and take them seriously." [36:05] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Justice means that people should be acquitted or punished in a court of law on the merits of the case, not based on their race, social status, or citizenship. Mishpat also means that people should get what they deserve. In Deuteronomy 18, it uses the same word to command that the priests in the tabernacle get the wages that they are due. Proverbs 31, 9 says, open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy." [37:38] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "People who are created in God's image deserve justice. People who are created in God's image deserve justice. People who are created in God's image deserve justice. People who are created in God's image deserve justice. And we demonstrate that by showing compassion to those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged. If you remember the big idea, it's the God of the Bible cares about justice, and so should we." [40:25] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Our God loves people from every race and ethnic group. So we better be ready for multiethnic worship when we get to heaven. In light of this, there is no place for hate in the heart of a believer. It's wrong to think that some people are better or more valuable because of the color of their skin. When we see these attitudes in our hearts, we need to repent and ask God to change us. And you know, sometimes we're not even aware of our own subtle prejudices." [47:07] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "When you are motivated by compassion and get involved in a ministry that helps the poor, you are doing justice, and I believe that is pleasing to the Lord. Now let's take another issue, the issue of LGBTQ rights. This one is even harder to talk about. Today there seems to be a push for acceptance for every possible sexual preference. If you believe in the Bible, you are often considered a bigot. I've been told that Christians are on the wrong side of history." [49:57] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "People with same-sex attraction and gender dysphoria need our love, our prayers, and our protection, but they also need to know God's truth. We need a balance of grace and truth. Before I move on, I want to share something I have never heard in a sermon. There may be some who need to hear it. As far as I can tell, the Bible does not teach that same-sex attraction is a sin. It's only a sin to act upon it." [55:20] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "The biblical truth is that life begins at conception. We looked at Psalm 139 earlier, and David writes in that same Psalm, starting in verse 13, For you formed my inward parts, you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works, my soul knows it very well. He goes on, My frame was not hidden from you when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance, and your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me when as yet there was none of them." [57:44] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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