| Hi Tim,
Interesting one! I had to read it through a couple of times ... ;-)
'Injustice' is a negative; a reversal [or absence] of justice. In order to
understand 'injustice', I need to understand precisely what is meant by
'justice'. Strictly, I also need to establish whether you are refering to
temporal justice or eternal justice.
The only absolute is in terms of eternal justice, and in that sense, the
only justice we can receive is judgement. I am looking forward to
receiving the 'injustice' of mercy, which brings forgiveness, which is very
tongue in cheek, because it is not precisely unjust at all, because He has
paid the price...
As far as temporal injustice goes - it is dangerous for us to point a finger
claiming personal injustice, because from the perspective of God's perfection
He can see the same weakness in us, that we would accuse in others. And
if we do not fail in that particular way, it is only that He has shielded
us from that temptation - so far. Our (even unspoken) accusation can often
be a challenge to the enemy, where we step out into (for us) a new battle
sphere - cf Galatians 6:1
"Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual
should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also
may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way
you will fulfil the law of Christ."
[Recently we referred to "Love keeps no record of wrongs" 1 Corinthians 13:5 ]
Romans 3:26 speaks of God's offer of salvation as demonstrating His
justice:
"so as to be just and the One Who justifies those who have faith in Jesus."
On personal / individual areas of justice, and perceptions of injustice, key
scriptures include:
Matthew 6:14, 7:1-5, 18:15-22 and the following parable
Mark 4:24, 11:25
Romans 12:14,17-21 (esp. :19)
Colossians 3:13
"Bear with each another and forgive whatever grievances you may have
against one another. Forgive as the LORD forgave you."
James 2:12-13
"Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that
gives freedom, because judgement without mercy will be shown to to
anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgement!"
However, God recognises our limitations, and there is one crucial area
where He permits what He dislikes. Does that constitute injustice? In
marriage, two individuals give themselves into each other's care in a very
unique commitment. This commitment is a spiritual bond made before the
LORD (ie, via His provision of Genesis 2:24, whether any two specific
individuals who unite understand what they are doing or not - cf)
The severing of the union God has ordained is hateful to the LORD (Malachi 2:16)
but knowing man's weakness, God made provision for recognition of a broken
relationship, in Matthew 5:32, 19:4-9, where divorce is clearly identified
as a result of the fall, and a concession to the weakness of mankind, rather
than according to the original design.
The other situation where divorce is allowed for in the Bible is in
1 Corinthians 7:15, where a married person becomes saved, and the partner
finds this intolerable, and is unable to sustain the relationship.
.0 � I am wondering of Injustice is real or perceived.
From the human-human perspective, injustice in general is so prevalent (in
attitude, for a start), that it is often meaningless to focus on a specific
personal grudge. and demand that it be righted. I suspect that this
includes many modern-day bitter court cases which result in the exchange
of vast sums of money - and even, in some instances, prison sentences,
while things that the LORD abhors (James 5:4, as perpetrated by a rich
nation against a poor one, for instance) are ignored.
'Just', and 'justice' are definite realities, and qualities of God.
'Unjust' and 'Injustice' are also real in this fallen world, but will no
longer exist in heaven. So perhaps they are not as real as the positive
attributes!
I'm afraid I've woffled round the subject some - I hope I've not been
altogether off the point you meant!
God bless
Andrew
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| Andrew,
Thanks for you reply...
I believe that justice is only held by God, that we perceive justice only in
the light of God and his grace. What we would see as 'fair' is not 'fair' to
God but is Just.
Romans 9-11 talk about situations that are not 'fair' in our determination of
justice, but because they are God's choices they are definitionally just. One
of which is the Jews being held out of God's grace until some time in the future
or the jews be broken off the tree and gentiles being grafted in.
Today, I have also had the thought that the major work of the enemy is to
counter the nature of God. One of the attributes of God is Justice. So the
enemy generates injustice, real and perceived ( no difference ) just to counter
the Justice of God. After all doesn't he lie and deceive against the truth?
Anyway, more rambling...
Tim
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