OUTWARD DISCIPLINE

JUSTICE

DESIRE

to love others by seeking their good, protection, gain and fair treatment

DEFINITION

Justice seeks to help others through correcting and redressing wrongs. It treats others fairly and shows no favoritism.

SCRIPTURE

"Seek good, not evil ,

                       that you may live. . . .

           Hate evil, love good;

                       maintain justice in the courts.” (Amos 5: 14-15)

          “ But let justice roll on like a river,

                       righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5: 24)

“Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” (Hebrews 13: 3)

“Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world. . . .   Don’t let public opinion influence how you live out our glorious, Christ-originated faith.”

(James 1: 27— 2: 1 The Message)

PRACTICE INCLUDES

-being responsible to God and others

-being a good steward of what you own

-supporting just causes with time, action and financial support

-treating others impartially and fairly

-providing for the poor, needy and oppressed through the means available to you

-volunteering for prison ministry, food-bank work and ministries that serve needs in the local community

-refusing to buy products of companies that take advantage of the poor

GOD-GIVEN FRUIT

- keeping company with Jesus, living out his concern for the poor and oppressed

- living sacrificially in order to bring justice and freedom to others

- having concern and praying for the oppressed

- being able to see others through Jesus’ eyes of love

- being other-centered rather than self-centered

EXERCISES

1. Become more aware of justice issues in your community through fact-finding excursions. Take your children or a small group with you. Call ahead and arrange a time to meet with folks involved in food banks, housing for the poor and elderly, shepherding homes, halfway houses, etc. What kinds of needs are represented by these organizations? What kind of help are they seeking? Volunteer to help.

2. Help out with Sanctuary's AfterSchool Arts or Tutoring program

3. Begin reading about justice issues. Sign up for the Internal Justice Mission weekly e-mail update.

4. Sponsor a child through World Vision

5. Consider your responsibility before God for what you own. What effect does God’s view of the gifts he has given you have on you?  •   How could you share your gifts with others? Could you tutor? Could you help settle a refugee family? Could you teach someone English? Could you provide training opportunities for first-time legal offenders?

6.Start a prayer group that prays through the concerns of the newspaper. Pray for peace and justice issues. Be open to what God might want you to do.

7. Get your homegroup involved in serving a need in our city