READ: Proverbs 2:21; 11:11, 17:23, 18:5, 21:15
The word
“passion” is a strong one. It can mean to be filled with emotion for something
or someone. What is God passionate about? Have you ever asked that question? If
we read Proverbs, alongside the prophets, we see that He’s VERY passionate
about justice. He cares deeply about the situation of those who are being
oppressed and who are being treated poorly. On the flipside He can be angered
by those who cause others to unnecessarily suffer.
Proverbs doesn’t
simply speak of God’s desire for
justice. As His servants, we’re
called to commit to living as people who demonstrate justice and who seek to
bring relief to those who are oppressed. And can say with complete confidence that
justice makes a difference! First, God promises that, “. . . the upright will
inhabit the land, and those with integrity will remain in it” (2:21). Does it
always work out this way? No. There’s a lot of desire for wickedness in the
world. However, we’d be very surprised to discover that in spite of the
appetite for sin in our world, those with a consistent walk of being just,
often rise to the top.
Second, we’re
told that, “by the blessing of the upright a city is exalted” (11:11). Again,
while there’ll be much wickedness in
the world, God can and will establish “pockets of grace” as leaders and His
people commit to being upright. And brothers and sisters, because God sees all,
this call to acting justly extends to our private lives. Wickedness can be done
in secret, but this too God sees and resists. We must choose wisely in secret.
Even what we do online or how we treat our families can bring or release people
from oppression.
Justice is of
great value to God! And justice makes a difference. These are things Proverbs
would have us keep in mind.
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1.
Praise
God that He is passionate about those who have been oppressed and taken
advantage of in their lives. Praise Him for caring about the pain that has been
inflicted upon you/them. Ask Him to speak to any of the pain that you still
carry.
2.
Ask
God – are any of your current actions or attitudes causing others oppression,
or tearing them down? If yes, repent and seek His wisdom on how to make things
right. Also ask Him – “God, who in my life could use some support and/or
justice? Are there any steps that I need to take?”
