I had an interesting conversation the other day; question under review "Does concentrating on fighting injustice act as a red herring keeping us from the greater good of showing grace?" I've always thought I wanted to dedicate time and energy to fighting injustice, but perhaps it is time to rethink the perspective from which I come. Does the idea of fighting injustice make it more about me and what I'm doing? Emphasize my own strengths? While grace is more about the other?
My first thought of objection to that argument was the Civil Rights movement in the USA. All those who stood up and resisted segregation and opposed those who would subject's people on the basis of their skin colour. But....The more I thought about it the more it seemed that this example could be about showing grace and standing with the oppressed. Perhaps the difference lies in deciding whether you are going to stand against something or with someone. They may even lead to the same action, but a different starting point, a different attitude and a different perspective. Standing with the oppressed, taking on their burdens as our own, living sacrificially, are these things more about grace or justice? Is it possible that the best way to see justice is to show grace? Finding creative ways of standing in solidarity with those who struggle. The more examples I think of, the more I see it is about the standing with, not the fighting against.
Justice is mine said the Lord. "I desire Mercy not sacrifice" are further words on the subject. Sacrifice had more to do with justice and atonement...Mercy about the sacrifice of the self. Christ said that we need to practice faithfulness without neglecting justice. The emphasis seems to be on the former...
I don't have answers to all these quandaries, but as I contemplate doing some overseas volunteer work in the next few months, I'm glad to have the questions.
