The Thirst For Justice

God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.

Matthew 5:6

A CHRISTIAN READ in the newspaper about a judge who had let off a child molester with only three months’ probation. The judge, saying that he didn’t believe the prison system worked, let this man go on to commit other crimes, all because he had reservations about the system’s ability to rehabilitate that offender.

The Christian didn’t just sit on his hands about it. He sent a letter to the editor of his local newspaper. That began a debate in the news about the judge and his actions. Soon, pastors in churches began preaching about the problem. Residents in the state heard about the case and listened to new arguments, and soon that judge was voted out of office.

As Christians, we might be tempted to despair at the realities we find in our world. But we have a better and greater hope. While God promises to deal with all the evil that has ever been perpetrated—on us, our friends, our churches, and our nations—we also often see God work for justice in our world through individual Christians. William Wilberforce helped end slavery in the British Empire through his persistent crusade against it. Through the ages, others have done much to bring about justice, often in the name of God.

Refuse to simply despair in the face of the harsh problems of our world. You can have an impact on your community through all kinds of means. Pray, and listen for God’s leading. He may use your thirst for justice and satisfy it with the changes you seek.