The following student report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent Brooke K. during the 2008-2009 League.
Mission: Research - Justice
Justice: honorable and fair in one's dealing and action; consistent with what is morally right or righteous. There are many ways to look at justice. Let's consider how the world views justice, how God views justice and how we need to respond to justice.
When the world looks at justice, they question God's justice and wish their way out of trouble. They ask for the easy way out even if they know it's not God’s will. "I don’t deserve this kind of pain!" they exclaim. But instead of focusing on themselves in their suffering, they need to turn to God and rely on Him. After all God might be allowing the suffering, so that they turn and depend on Him. (2 Cor. 1:9)
God's view of justice can be found through by answering the questions of those who doubt His justice. Scripture holds the answer to all their questions. "How can a just God allow this to happen?" is a common question heard when people are facing hard times or dealing with death. Because God is just, people believe that He should not allow any kind of suffering which causes them pain, but there are many verses that say why God allows suffering. Hebrews 12:6-8 says that God disciplines those he loves in the same way a father disciplines his son. A father disciplines to teach his son. Romans 5:3 states how we need to rejoice in our sufferings, because through suffering we will develop perseverance. "For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him." (Phil. 1:29)
"Where is God’s justice?" is another commonly heard question when people are faced with all the evil in the world. "Why does God allow that?" they ask. God always has His reasons. He is not slow in bringing about His justice, He is patient, for He wants to give everyone a chance to believe in Him (2 Peter 3:9). Romans 2:4 says, "...do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?" God wants to bring everyone to life and give everyone a chance; His mercy is the reason for the delay in His Justice.
Our response to God"s justice should be to rely on God through His justice even if it means suffering for us, because through it we will learn how to persevere through hard times. Afterward, we will be able to help others who are suffering. In the same way we will be able to comfort those who need comfort because God has comforted us first. (2 Cor. 1:4) For Galatians 6:2 says, "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." We need to set an example of how to persevere through our suffering so that others may do the same.
Isaiah 56:1 says, "This is what the LORD says: "Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed." God has set the perfect example of justice and he expects us to do the same.
