Doing Mercy and Justice (Differently)

Sometimes I feel completely overwhelmed by the evil and suffering in the world. And when confronted by the reality that I can’t fix it, the uncertainty over what to do is often debilitating. How has God called me to respond? What does faithfulness look like considering my limitations? Where has God positioned me to act?

In order to respond faithfully, we must recognize that we are all called and equipped to demonstrate God’s mercy and justice in different ways. Holding this tension will stir us to respond faithfully and lift those burdens we were never meant to carry.

All Called

Children of God are called to reflect His mercy and justice to the poor and oppressed. Such work is the natural overflow of regenerated hearts, so entwined to our salvation that Scripture questions the genuineness of our faith if such fruit is absent. ^{(These principles are scattered all throughout Scripture, but I’ve attached several examples at the end.)}

In a broken and sinful world, the opportunities to demonstrate mercy and justice abound. It may be more comfortable to shut our eyes and shrug our shoulders and take the easy road of apathy, but we can’t.

The suffering of refugees, orphans, widows, and the impoverished signal our call to mercy. We must consider: how can we provide for the poor and comfort the afflicted? The sins of racism, abortion, exploitation, and abuse signal our call to justice. We must consider: how can we speak up for silenced voices and defend the rights of the mistreated?

Followers of God simply cannot be passive about earthly suffering. Scripture hasn’t left us that option.

All Equipped

Considering the expansive need, God has designed His people to be conduits of His goodness in varied ways. We are not all equipped for the same tasks. This is crucial to recognize, or else we’ll burn ourselves out trying to play God, or judge others for not doing the same works we are.

I used to serve in ways I don’t anymore. This shift wasn’t due to indifference about those needs, but rather, redirection to other ones. As God moved my heart (and subsequently, my energy) towards locally resettled refugees, I had to let other endeavors go. Even within this particular area of ministry, I’m discovering ways I’m equipped to do it well, along with ways I’m not.

To be honest, my limits frustrate me.

However, if we try to do everything, we won’t do anything well. Our responsibility is to faithfully steward the gifts God’s given us, enacting justice and mercy through the circumstances in which He’s placed us. The good news is, that’s all God expects us to do. He’s never been impressed by anyone who’s tried to take His place as the world’s Redeemer.

All Different

No matter how devoted we are to living as imitators of our Father, we are limited. Our knowledge, resources, energy, expertise, time, and money isn’t infinite.

No matter how purposeful we are to give to worthy organizations, we cannot contribute to every good cause. No matter how dedicated we are to prayer when tragic headlines catch our attention, we will remain unaware of most of the world’s atrocities. No matter how much we want to be fierce advocates for justice, we won’t always have the knowledge or ability to do so. No matter how much time we dedicate to serving our communities, we’ll run out of it.

At first glance, this reality is discouraging. But this is what makes the Body of Christ so beautiful! God intentionally designed us with different strengths, circumstances, experiences, and expertise to spread His love further than we ever could alone.

The more we stir one another towards the common goal of demonstrating God’s mercy and justice to a suffering world, the more faceted our good works will become, and the more brightly the Church will shine as a beacon of hope pointing to our Father in heaven.

Scriptures to consider: