Why Justice Matters to God

By Pastor Artie Lindsay

It happened not long ago. Someone left our church and told me, “Pastor, I just feel like we’re talking too much about justice. I come to church to hear the Gospel, not politics.”

Now, I don’t think they were trying to be mean-spirited. I believe they were being honest. And honestly? Many people feel the same tension.

But here’s what I’ve come to realize. Justice isn’t political, it’s biblical. We don’t talk about justice because the culture says it matters. We talk about justice because God does.

Tim Keller once said, “If your understanding of the Gospel doesn’t move you toward the poor, you may not truly understand the Gospel you preach.” That’s the heart of this conversation.

From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture tells the story of a God who doesn’t ignore suffering. He hears the cries of the oppressed. He lifts the lowly. He moves toward the marginalized.

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

That verse isn’t a suggestion. It’s a requirement. Justice has always been part of what it means to walk with God.

Think about how Jesus began his public ministry in Luke 4. He was standing in the synagogue and reading from Isaiah. “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor… to set the oppressed free.”

That wasn’t just an opening sermon; it was his mission statement.

Jesus came to set things right. Not just spiritually, but socially.

He healed bodies, restored dignity, welcomed the outsider and even flipped tables when the vulnerable were exploited.

Following Jesus isn’t just about saying yes to heaven; it’s about living out his values here and now.

So, what is Biblical Justice?

Biblical justice isn’t about payback. It’s about restoration – making things right.

It’s rooted in righteousness—being in right relationship with God and others. And it’s always tied to mercy—choosing compassion over indifference.

Today, some of the dividing lines show up on social media. Justice can look like refusing to share posts that tear people down. It’s choosing to use your platform to speak truth with love instead of spreading hate. It’s noticing who’s being ignored in online conversations and making sure their voice gets heard.

Justice happens when you stand against cyberbullying. When you don’t just scroll past harmful comments but step in with encouragement. When you amplify stories of those who are overlooked instead of chasing likes and trends.

You don’t have to change the whole world. Just start where you are. Open your eyes to injustice around you. Open your heart to those who are hurting. Open your mouth to speak up when others stay silent. And open your hands to serve in ways that reflect God’s love and power.

The Gospel calls us not just to believe, but to become. And becoming like Jesus means learning to love justice. Justice matters to God because it’s how we show the world what his love looks like in action, and you’re never too young to live that out.

Reflection Questions

1. When you hear the word “justice,” what comes to mind? How does that align with what the Bible says?
2. What did Jesus say about the poor, the oppressed and the marginalized? How does that shape how you see people today?
3. Where do you see injustice online? What’s one way you could respond with truth and love?
4. What’s one simple way you can live out Micah 6:8 this week?