The Bible’s teachings on justice extend beyond mere ethics and moral behavior; they reflect the very character of God. Scripture consistently emphasizes care for the vulnerable, fairness in economic dealings, and compassion for the outsider. By following these commands, Christians not only obey God but also reflect His justice, mercy, and love to the world.
Malachi 3:5 underscores God’s condemnation of those who oppress widows, orphans, and the vulnerable. In ancient societies, widows and orphans lacked protection and provision, making them easy targets for exploitation. This principle translates to modern contexts where those in need often face systemic neglect or oppression. James 1:27 reinforces this by stating that pure and undefiled religion involves caring for orphans and widows in distress. Christians are called to actively defend and support those who cannot help themselves.
God’s command to love one’s neighbor (Leviticus 19:18) extends to fair treatment in economic dealings. Malachi 3:5 explicitly condemns defrauding laborers of their wages, a clear violation of this command. Fairness in business and employment practices reflects God’s justice and ensures that dignity is upheld for all. Ignoring this principle not only harms individuals but also damages the community and dishonors God.
Throughout the Bible, God commands His people to treat foreigners with dignity and respect. Leviticus 19:33-34 instructs the Israelites to love the foreigner as themselves, reminding them of their own history as strangers in Egypt. Jesus expands on this in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), demonstrating that “neighbor” encompasses everyone, regardless of nationality or status. Ephesians 2:13-14 further illustrates how Christ’s sacrifice unites all people, emphasizing the inclusivity of God’s kingdom. Mistreating foreigners contradicts this vision and undermines the Gospel’s message of unity and love.
The Bible repeatedly calls for defending the rights of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:8-9 exhorts believers to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves, while Proverbs 19:17 reminds us that generosity to the poor is seen by God as a personal loan. In the New Testament, Acts 2:42-45 describes the early church’s commitment to meeting the needs of its members, highlighting the importance of community and mutual support. 1 John 3:17-18 challenges believers to show love through action, emphasizing that faith without compassion is hollow.
While there may be overlap between biblical and secular social justice, their foundations and objectives differ significantly. Secular social justice often focuses on redistribution of wealth, equality of opportunity, and tolerance, but these aims are primarily concerned with temporal well-being. In contrast, biblical justice is rooted in Scripture and God’s attributes—mercy, goodness, love, and justice. It prioritizes individual accountability, personal sacrifice, and sanctification, aiming to reflect God’s character on Earth.
Justice is integral to the process of sanctification and is reflected in the greatest commandments. Loving God wholly requires adherence to His Word, including His commands for justice. Loving one’s neighbor, as outlined in Micah 6:8 and Zechariah 7:9, involves showing kindness, mercy, and fairness. These commands highlight that justice is not optional for believers but a core aspect of living out their faith.
The Bible’s vision of justice is both timeless and transformative. It calls Christians to defend the vulnerable, ensure fairness, and extend compassion to all, reflecting God’s character in their actions. By prioritizing biblical justice, believers not only honor God but also serve as a light in a world often marred by injustice. This commitment to justice is not just an ethical duty but an expression of love for God and neighbor.
Then I will come near to you for judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, those who oppress the wage earner in his wages or the widow or the orphan, and those who turn away the stranger from justice and > do not fear Me,” says the LORD of armies.
Malachi 3:5 (NASB)
against the oppressors of the widowed and fatherless
Widows and orphans were considered very vulnerable in ancient society. We can take this as those who opress the vulnerable, or maybe clarify to disrgarding those most in need.
Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. James 1:27 (NASB)
and against those who defraud laborers of their wages
This goes to economic justice. The action of defrauding laborer, or wage earners, or employees, etc. goes against God's command to love your neighbor as yourself (Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:39, etc.).
deny justice to the foreigner
God commands that we don't take advantage of (Leviticus 19:33), exploit, or opress foreigners (soujourners, travelers) (Exodus 22:21). God sent his only son as a foreigner both as God among men as well as a Jew living in a Gentile world. Finally, Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) clearly illustrates how we are to treat foreigners. Mistreating foreigners goes against the inclusitivity of the Kingdom of God and directly against Christ's mission on Earth:
[12] remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the people of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world. [13] But now in Christ Jesus you who previously were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Ephesians 2:13-14
In the second of the greatest commandments, we are told to love our neighbors as ourselves, here we see that the breadth of "neighbor" is very wide.
[33] When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. [34] You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.
Leviticus 19:33-34 (ESV)
Further:
This command underscores the importance of justice and compassion in God's law. Oppression of foreigners was a common issue in ancient societies, where outsiders often had no legal rights or protection. By instructing the Israelites not to oppress foreigners, God emphasizes His desire for His people to reflect His character of love and justice (Micah 6:8). This command is rooted in Israel's own experience of oppression in Egypt (Exodus 22:21), reminding them of their past and encouraging empathy. It also points to the future ministry of Jesus Christ, who consistently reached out to marginalized groups and taught love for one's neighbor (Leviticus 19:22, n.d.)
[8]Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. [9]Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Proverbs 31:8-9 (ESV)
One who is gracious to a poor person lends to the Lord, And He will repay him for his good deed.
Proverbs 19:17 (NASB)
John the Apostle call out that caring for fellow believers is especially imporant to ensure needs are being met so our brothers and sisters in Christ can continue their pursuit of faith. He further asks how one who chooses to ignore and neglect the needs of other can be living a Christian life.
[17] But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? [18] Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
1 John 3:17-18 (ESV)
Luke went so far as to ensure that believers was taken care of was specifically called out as he wrote Acts of the Apostles.
[42] And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. [44] And all who believed were together and had all things in common. [45] And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
Acts 2:42-45 (ESV)
It is important to make clear that though there may be some overlap in the aims of biblical and secular social justice, they are far from the same. Secular social justice is concerned with the here and now in the world whereas biblical social justice has it's aims being a reflection of our maker during our time on Earth.
As noted above, justice is core in the process of of sanctification as it is present in both of the "Royal Commands". In wholey loving God, it is impossible to not be just and following his word as to the treatment of those around us which leads to the second of loving your neighbor where our responsiblities to one another as Christians are defined.
He has told you, mortal one, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?
Micha 6:8 (NASB)
Thus says the LORD of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another
Zechariah 7:9 (ESV)
Leviticus 19:33. (n.d.). Bible Hub. https://biblehub.com/leviticus/19-33.htm