It’s all about relationships.
Several of my friends who know me well would quickly tell you that this is one of my consistent phrases.
“… And what does the Lord require of you, except to be just, and to love (and to diligently practice) kindness (compassion), and to walk humbly with your God (setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness)?” — Micah 6:8 (Amplified Bible)
This describes the importance of relationship with self, relationship with God and relationships with others.
Doing justice is rooted in our call to serve; loving kindness (mercy) is rooted in our call to be driven by an authentic and genuine love. Walking humbly (wisely) with God ensures a constant connection.
Giving and doing good works is not a substitute or replacement for genuine relationships with God and our community. Our love for God is demonstrated by our love and relationships with those in the community. Our love and relationships with our neighbors are demonstrated by the commitment to work together so that all are treated with love and justice. It is built upon the pillars of God, love (mercy) and justice. They are not mutually exclusive. Dr. Cornel West reminds us of this when he says: “Never forget that justice is what love looks like in public.”
We are called to be advocates for justice in an unjust world; however, it doesn’t mean that we do this without being in relationships with others. In the midst of the justice struggles, I am sustained and encouraged by the relationships with others and the love and mercy of God.
Love and justice don’t have to be mutually exclusive. There are two examples that come to mind. I remember the words of the preacher who shared that an example of love and mercy is giving and donating water to the people of Flint. This is an act of charity, and this is what we are called to do. However, justice is making sure that the people who are responsible for this are brought to justice and we work together to create a healthy water system.
Love and justice were evident in the lives of the hundreds of volunteers and clergy in Charlottesville, Virginia, a few weeks ago who did more than just speak against racism. After they prayed, they put legs on their prayers and began to march. Love called them to be empowered to pray with their feet. They knew that their relationship with justice connected with their relationship to love. They remembered that justice is what love looks like in public.
There’s another passage that reminds us that justice is what love looks like in public:
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” — Matthew 25:37-40 (New International Version)
Love and justice empower the entire community, and everyone is invested in the change.
Minister Sheila P. Spencer is an author, educator and poet. She can be contacted at CustomMadeInspiration@gmail.com.
