What does it mean to live justly?

What Christians are called to is active justice. Though following the life and work of our ultimate model and savior, Jesus, we can start to understand how to live out this calling. Jesus sought justice for the poor, orphaned, and widowed. He cared for all of those he interacted with. He met them in their suffering in a place of love and kindness.

Living justly has two main parts: Education and Action.

Education is important for doing justice because without knowing what the problem is, it is impossible to properly be part of the solution. With the click of a button, there are so many tools at your disposal. In order to live a just life, diving into the pursuit of knowledge is essential. The next time you find yourself interested or compelled to address an issue, take the time to research it first. Finding the right avenue for change can take work. By investing time in the process of education, our collective response to injustice can be well-founded and intentional.

Interested in some of BFJN’s educational resources? Check out our Uncomfortable Conversations, previous Blog posts, and our new Podcast entitled “Let’s Talk: Faith and Justice.”

Uncomfortable Conversations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6-cwTG3dO8&list=PLFEY4GnUumLNOeWA3Od8LHmL_Zq7XOChh 

Blog Posts: https://www.bostonfaithjustice.org/blog/ 

Podcast: https://www.bostonfaithjustice.org/podcasts/ 

Action. This is the second key piece of living a life of justice. This is the side that often becomes neglected. When the problem does not occur directly in front of you, it can feel like there is no reason to get involved in direct action. However, this is not the case.

Once you have taken the time to understand the issue and know what justice looks like in that area, staying silent should not be an option. In order for real and lasting change to take place, we must all be a part of the action. Take the information you learned and provide those resources to others interested in finding a solution. Having conversations with friends, family, co-workers, and others helps to raise awareness for the problem. This, in turn, could encourage and inspire more people to live justly. Further, you can get involved in a local activism group or directly address the issues of injustice in your neighborhood. If you are passionate about environmental justice, organize a community clean-up or advocate in your town for the reduction of plastic waste. If you are concerned with food insecurity, see where your own community needs help first and then look for larger organizations that are addressing the issue such as Daily Table which addresses food insecurity in Massachusetts.

A life in pursuit of justice requires both education and action. Neither side can be neglected in order for positive and enduring change to exist. 

How are you living out justice in your own life or community? Share with us in the comments below!