There is a debate in some circles about the nature of justice. With the ancients
justice was defined as giving others their due. Modern theories of justice often
talk about fairness and equality.

Micah 6:8 says, “And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to
love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” God calls us to be agents of
his justice on earth. But doing this requires deep, prayerful humility.
Christian justice has no place for vengeance, self-righteousness, or “getting
even.” Instead, justice requires us to seek the good of others, even those who
have wronged us. And though that may still require us to take legal action
against wrong-doing, we are called to do it in a spirit of love and mercy.

For decades, Sister Helen Prejean , subject of the film Dead Man Walking , has counselled
both death-row inmates and the families of their victims. In her work, she has
accompanied six condemned prisoners to their deaths. She does it, she says, so
that these human beings can see a loving face at the moment of their death – a
reminder of the One who loves them, despite the terrible things they have done.

Christian justice does not mean turning a blind eye to wrong-doing; it means
looking at those who have committed injustice with eyes of love…

Bert Hibberd

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‘If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.’

(Bishop Desmond Tutu)