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Injustice and In Justice - How we deal with injustice depends upon our deepest sense of justice
What, in justice, is the better way for us to deal with injustice when we see it? From ongoing wars of aggression to cheating people of their rightful possessions, we can find examples of injustice that hurt, injure, demean, and even kill people every day, both globally and in almost any locality where we might live. The distinction between doing something in justice and acting against injustice in an unjust manner makes a huge difference. Before we decide to relate to some of the major injustices which we perceive almost everywhere we look, our best interests and those of everyone else depend upon our reflection before we commit to any action.
Since it is so easy and often disheartening to think first about injustices, we might find it more helpful to consider first what we mean by acting in justice. There is more to the use of those two words than will appear in a dictionary. When we enter anything, even as ordinary as a conversation, we come in as we are, including with our faith and values. So, when we are determined to act in justice, we will rely primarily on the experience we have accumulated about being fair, honest, and unprejudiced in whatever we say and do. Most of us have no legal training, but we recognize injustice when we see it. If we have reflected and prayed with our thoughts and feelings about the injustices we have suffered, we develop a capacity for acting, in justice, according to our present understanding of specific unjust situations.
When we consciously bring our faith with us when considering how to act, we do well to recall that God’s justice is mercy. If God were to punish all injustices, none of us would go free. We tend to hide our own failings from ourselves while readily perceiving injustice in others. God sees all but also loves all. We are not God, but as children of God, we do our best work dealing with injustice by approaching our proposed actions with mercy. It does not mean that we deny the truth of wrongdoing, but that we accept God’s love for the people involved and desire their discovery of the truth rather than only their correction or punishment.
Acting in justice is holy work, for it requires honesty about our own weaknesses and failings as well as a clear recognition of the disorders that we feel called to address. When we start with ourselves in God’s loving presence, the fear and anger that might have been heavy on our hearts is always lessened, and we become open to perceiving how we might, in justice, deal with injustice.
Last Updated 1/17/2026