Unity for Justice and Peace

Everyone of us on this planet wants a peaceful life. We also want our lives to be just and fair. But, seldom is this the case. While we do in fact have moments of peacefulness (thank God!) and while justice indeed prevails in the end (eventually), it is hard to ignore that life often feels chaotic and as a constant grind. Nevertheless, we find solace in the LORD and His Word. The LORD never tests us beyond what we can handle, and He comforts us with joy and peace. This peace which is given by the LORD is different from what we can attain by our efforts. Further, this peace is internal. That is, despite what may happen to or around us, we’d still be peaceful when we are close to the LORD.

In the Bible, the righteousness of the LORD is often highlighted. God is a just judge, And God is angry with the wicked every day. Psalm 7:11. But, the LORD is also gracious. The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy. The Lord is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works. Psalm 145:8-9. Taking both these characteristics of the LORD into account, we can understand that the LORD waits for the iniquities of the wicked to reach its full measure. When this happens, the wicked fall out of grace, and destruction swiftly befalls them. He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. Proverbs 29:1. Sadly, despite many chances, some never change their ways, and they add more to their sins by harming the righteous, exploiting the poor, and destroying the helpless. Not only this, they add more people to their company knowing the judgment which would befall on everyone. The wicked plots against the just, And gnashes at him with his teeth. The Lord laughs at him, For He sees that his day is coming. Psalm 37:12-13. The whole of Psalm 37 speaks about the awaiting calamity on the wicked and the heritage of the righteous.

Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, And wither as the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday. Psalm 37:1-6.

We also have a part to play in ensuring the prevalence of justice and peace - staying united and advocating for unity. It is common knowledge that “unity is strength”, however, current times and scenarios make it increasingly hard to unite for a just cause and for peace. Be it the lack of time or understanding between people, or deliberate meddling to prevent unity among humans, we are divided by various factors. Nevertheless, we do occasionally see the power of an united voice, when people gather together and set their mind to a righteous cause.

In Ezekiel 37:15-28, the LORD states His will of making a united nation from the divided nation of Israel which were represented by two sticks, now joined together. Following this, the LORD says about a time yet to come, where Christ would rule over them. This would be a time of perfect peace, where everyone will dwell in harmony and be just.

“David My servant shall be king over them, and they shall all have one shepherd; they shall also walk in My judgments and observe My statutes, and do them. Then they shall dwell in the land that I have given to Jacob My servant, where your fathers dwelt; and they shall dwell there, they, their children, and their children’s children, forever; and My servant David shall be their prince forever. Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them, and it shall be an everlasting covenant with them; I will establish them and multiply them, and I will set My sanctuary in their midst forevermore. My tabernacle also shall be with them; indeed I will be their God, and they shall be My people. The nations also will know that I, the Lord, sanctify Israel, when My sanctuary is in their midst forevermore.” ’ ” Ezekiel 37:24-28

When people come together in peace and harmony, it benefits the society at large. It leads to equality and an abundance of resources which is enough for everyone. The Bible records this unity in churches. When united together through the Spirit of the LORD, the people generously contributed to help the needy. Paul commends the Philippian church for this generosity and mindfulness in Philippians 4:8-20. Likewise, it is our duty to be mindful of those in need, and through unity we can do more good than we could alone.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9

As mentioned before, it is not easy to stay united. Though we are united through the Spirit, it is very much possible to undo the harmony by focusing on one’s own self. Historically, this has undone a lot of good, and is also the main reason for the divisions, disparities and disagreements. Jesus reveals the difference in thoughts of man and God regarding this. While man only counts the action to be harmful, Jesus points out that the intent is much worse. In fact, in the eyes of the LORD, we are judged for our intent even if we don’t necessarily follow through with our actions. Jesus succinctly expresses this in Matthew 5:21-26.

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny. Matthew 5:21-26

It is true that a murder will be judged. But based on the righteousness of God, even someone who is angry with his brother without a cause will be in danger of judgment. This is because of the evil intent inside, which when left unchecked would cause unforeseen repercussions. Further, we are called to love each other, not to hate. Additionally, when harboring evil intent, our prayers, gifts and sacrifices to the LORD would not be accepted. Because, first and foremost, the LORD sees the purity in heart. Failing to understand this and continuing our lives with evil intent and thoughts would put us in hell, after the judgment. So, it is up to us to repent and be pure in the sight of the LORD.

Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17-21

Let us, with the help of the LORD, overcome the evil within us with good. Let us, with the help of the LORD, be united in Spirit to overcome the evil of this world with goodness of God. Let us do good for everyone. Help those in need. Live peaceably with all men. Let us remain in unity. The LORD who takes care of us will provide peace and justice on the earth.

But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself him who is godly; The Lord will hear when I call to Him. Psalm 4:3

I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8