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Local justice with mercy

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Cheltenham Foodbank | Helping Local People in Crisis

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The Trussell Trust runs the largest network of foodbanks in the UK, giving emergency food and support to people in crisis. Thirteen million people live below the poverty line and in the last year we gave 1,332,952 three-day emergency food supplies to people in crisis.

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Christian Concern seeks to speak of Jesus Christ in public life - especially in the arenas of politics, law and the media - and particularly on issues related to gospel freedoms, family and God's precious gift of life.

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Why justice?

What is justice? A lot of people think of punishment for wrong doing. God speaks of justice in broader terms.

Micah 6:8
Mercy here is chesedh have - God's unconditional grace and compassion.
Justice - mishpat, emphasis on the action.
Chesedh is the attitude we do it in, merciful love. Not condescension. Mercy even if their troubles are their fault.

Mishpat - used over 200 times in OT, means to Treat people equitably, fairly. In court acquit or punish based on the merits of the case, regardless of their age, race, etc. Give people their rights. Defend the rights of the poor and needy (Prov 31:9)

Repeatedly the word is used for those whose rights are continuously trampled on.

Q. Who might that be today? (Let people answer, but if needs be give some of following examples)

the elderly, disabled,
veterans, refugees,
babies in the womb.

To neglect them is a denial of justice and the sin of omission.

So why should we act justly?

1. It's who God is:
“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.”
Psalm 89:14 NIVUK

Ps 146:7-9; Dt 10:17-18 he identifies with them!
Prov 31:8 speak up!

2. It's who we are meant to be,
People want more than a message, they want a life to live.
Society, communities must be built on justice.
Christians have often been right at the very heart of seeking justice. Eg Wilberforce and slavery,

Justice & mercy is Based on the belief that all are made in his image & so are equally valuable. But Aristotle & others believed some are born for slavery. Those who enslave women and kids as sex slaves, are seeing them as lesser, sub standard. But our faith lifts up!

"When we pour ourselves out for the poor - that gets the worlds notice." T.Keller.

3. It changes lives, makes receptive to the message and motive.
Today believers are again at the heart of fighting injustice, oppression eg Hope4justice, freeing sex trafficked victims.

How can we do justice?
Think long and hard about how Ps 41:1
Keller describes three levels of justice - relief where we alleviate the immediate needs, development and social reform. Start where we are, help those around us, but go further (James 2:15-17). Help in Foodbank to end UK poverty. Give time, money, prayers, support.
Get involved.Campaign. Sign up to support Christian Institute or Christian concern or CARE.

Questions:
Who could you do justice for?
Are you merciful in heart and mind, or is a local of mercy holding you back?
Do you see the needs around? Look again, look with our Fathers eyes!

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You could watch the whole thing, but the clip we showed starts at 24:55 through to the end. Includes reminder of some of the great bringers of justice and mercy.

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Alpha Film Series | Episode 13 How Can I Resist Evil?

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Great book by Tim Keller

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generous justice: how god's grace makes us just (law

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the reason for god; faith; city to city; justice; food banks; social care; in need; stranger; tedx; krish kandiah

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Generous Justice: How God's Grace Makes Us Just (Law, Justice and Power)

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Keller demonstrates that although the Bible was once widely acknowledged to be the moral bedrock of justice in society, over the years, conflicting conservative and liberal viewpoints have polarised opinion to the extent that now the Church cannot agree on what it means to 'do justice'. Keller as...

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He has shown you O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? to act justly to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God. Micah 6:8