Counsel #4 — Love And Justice

Picture: Counsel #4 — Love And JusticeCSI 63.1

The beautiful yet complex relationship between love and justice lies at the very core of Christian faith and action. While Scripture repeatedly emphasizes both values, the stark reality of social and racial injustice existing in various forms presents a significant challenge. From systemic bias in hiring and voter restrictions to unequal access to housing, healthcare, and even everyday group memberships, the presence of these oppressive boundaries seems to contradict the teachings of love, inclusivity, and equity.CSI 63.2

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:39 NKJVCSI 63.3

“Christ has said that we shall have the poor always with us, and He unites His interest with that of His suffering people. The heart of our Redeemer sympathizes with the poorest and lowliest of His earthly children…. He has placed them among us to awaken in our hearts the love that He feels toward the suffering and oppressed. Pity and benevolence shown to them are accepted by Christ as if shown to Himself. An act of cruelty or neglect toward them is regarded as though done to Him.” Ellen White in Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 535, 536CSI 63.4

Reflect: How could you reach across racial and social divides in your context, building genuine relationships and understanding instead of reinforcing boundaries?^{[100]https://www.adventistworld.org/a-biblical-strategy-for-racial-bridge-building/}CSI 63.5