Is There Any Peace and Justice?
Living in a world filled with injustices, can one find peace in justice? If you have ever done an online search about peace, somethings that may come up could be infamous quotes like the following:
- “Peace was not the absence of war but a disposition from benevolence, truth and justice.” – Spinoza
- “Without justice, there can be no peace.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
- “There really can be no peace without justice.” – Louis Farrakhan
These phrases are used countless times over… in protecting and/or promoting Human Rights and Freedoms. Whether used by humanitarians, judges, political leaders or human right activist, it is a growing movement that has been going on for centuries. Their quotes and motives are a call for justice and to take a stand against anything that is an injustice. Some point towards morals, economic development, to social justices, human development and even promoting a greater responsibility from others. Their cries for peace and justice goes unheard by the Almighty until they come into a relationship with Him through Salvation.
“The way of peace they do not know; there is no justice in their paths. They have turned them into crooked roads; no one who walks along them will know peace.” Isaiah 59:8 NIV
The good news for Believers is there can be peace through justices and injustices.For the past several weeks I have been studying about the attributes of God. Last week after class, I was studying something that lead me down a rabbit trail. On this journey with a very overloaded mindset, I thought I read a passage that said “there will be no peace on earth.” or something along those lines. Where I thought I read it, I have no clue but it weighed heavy on my mind and my heart. For the past couple of days I tried to find this verse again but in vain of finding it. I only tell you this because of what I did discover that goes along the lines of this weeks homework that I have been doing. This week, our lesson is “God is Just”.
In the introduction to this chapter, a few point where stated that stood out to me.
- “Sin maims, rots, and destroys His creation mentally, emotionally, and physically.”
- ” Truly goodness and love without justice is not good or loving.”
- “Justice is God’s stand against sin.”
- “Perfect love, goodness, and justice do exist together and have been unbelievably displayed to us at the cross.”
These cries for justice are cries for relief for His creation to be restored with peace. As Believers, we are not except from justices or injustices but we can still have peace no matter what the case may be. We serve a God who is loving, compassionate, faithful, unchanging and holy. Because of these attributes, He also provided an “escape” from His full wrath. By way of Jesus being crucified on the cross for our sins. This proves His love, His compassion, His faithfulness and above all His holiness. Because He is holy, He has separated Himself from evil. His wrath against sin is justice. God’s wrath against a sinful humanity is stated in Romans.
“The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness,” Romans 1:18 NIV
But how does all this fit in with peace? The ones who have accepted God’s gift of salvation have been:
- Forgiven
- Justified
- Made righteous and holy
- Peace has been given through the Holy Spirit.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 NIV
His covenant of peace cannot be broken for in His Word, He gives us His unchangeable promise.
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 54:10 NIV
When the injustices of life are thrown across your path, look up and seek God. He has provided everything we need to persevere and become more like Him.
In His Love, Crisi