Part 225. Love and Justice

A thread running through the Old and New Testaments is the demand for justice for the widow, the orphan, the poor, the downtrodden, the despised, the marginalised. Jesus demands his followers love their neighbour, but we are also called to demand justice, particularly for the poor.

'Love' and 'justice' are both subjective concepts.  How should they be defined and applied? How long is a piece of string? Is there an all-embracing definition for either word? Doubtful. What amounts to love or justice is dependent upon the circumstances in which either is applied. Context is all.

Love relates to individuals, either singularly or collectively. Thus individuals donating food to foodbanks will show love to one or more people unknown to them. Love manifests itself in numerous ways as illustrated by Paul's letters.  Jesus illustrates love in many ways as enumerated throughout the synoptic gospels.

The pursuit of justice is directed to systemic change, to achieving better futures for victims or potential victims of injustice. The objective may be clear but there are major issues to consider. What change is required to achieve the desired outcome? How will it be achieved?  There will often be disagreement on what needs to be done and how, driven by political, social, faith and economic perspectives.  Identifying injustice is the easier stage, although there may be disagreement as to its extent. How to overcome it is the hardest stage as competing solutions are offered. It is incumbent on faith organisations to recognise the need for compromise if any progress to achieving justice is to be made. 

Karl Popper observed that it is vital to work for concrete solutions rather than stand back awaiting some future hope or ideal. Put it another way. Followers of Jesus wish to work for God's kingdom on earth in the here and now, not wait for a second Advent.