Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.
This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)
Just a word and a phrase, a sentence or a question...just a little something to "fan the flame" of your creativity!
Today's word: justice
How would you define justice?
Do you think justice and fairness are the same thing? Explain.
Let me know what you think!!
“This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:6-7)
BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"
Are fairness and justice the same? Hmmm. On that one. I think it's the hardest question for me that you have posted yet.
ReplyDeleteMy simple Bible 101 answer to the definition of justice would be getting what I deserved so I think they are the same thing. It's fair that I get what I deserve, bad or good.
I'll have to chew on this one today and see what the smarter folks have to say.
I'm going shopping.
Which is only fair and just since I've been calling and bugging the husband while he is on the road to look for things for me. Time to pony up with some road time myself.
It's only FAIR.
Bah Humbug. I hate commando shopping. I enjoy window shopping so much more.
God talks about justice a lot in the Word for sure. He loves justice. My Bible dictionary defines it as correctness, fairness. I think God wants fairness and correctness in how we treat others and how we look at him as holy and righteous. I think if we practice justice a lot more, we wouldn't get God's judgment on us, but I am glad he is kind and compassionate and holds back his wrath on those that love and accept Jesus as their savior.
ReplyDeletehave a good weekend Sharon!
betty
Okay fairness and justice - not always the same I don't think.
ReplyDeleteLife is not always fair, but in the end there will be justice no matter what.
sandie
Hi Sharon -
ReplyDeleteI define justice as what is fair and reasonable for the given circumstances...
Hi Sharon -
ReplyDeleteIt is me again...
Sidebar: If you know of any non-Christians who are not inclined to scriptual written pieces, please consider referring them to one of my photo blogs, PHOTO SPLENDOR PLUS at www.photosplendorplus.blogspot.com. Today I added some pieces to the tab, "HEART SHOTS."
They may be able to inspire some non-Christians that you know. Though it is primarily a photo blog, the two non-photo tabs were created specifically for those who are not inclined towards scripture/biblical content.
Thank you, Sharon, for your consideration.
Debbie - Yeah, I have to agree. I really struggle with the idea of justice/fairness too. See my ending comment - it's helped me a bit with the whole thing. As for your plans for today - well, of course. It would be downright UNJUST to skip shopping. The scales would be unbalanced in your husband's favor. Can't have that...
ReplyDeleteBetty - Oh well said, friend! I like adding the word "correctness" to the mix. I have heard it said that the word "just," when it applies to God, is something besides "fair." That it is a standard - something just is something perfect. (The dictionary says, "being in conformity with what is morally upright or good; righteous") That definition has helped me. However, your points are well taken - God expects us to exhibit His justice toward others. And I am also VERY thankful that His mercy is mixed in with His justice!
Sandie - Short and to the point. You are very right - justice will prevail in the end. You've said some wise words - you must be a Rhodes scholar or something!!
Sandra - I agree. Fair and reasonable. And of course, God is the ultimate judge on that. Sandra, my current circle of friends and acquaintances are almost entirely believers. However, I am asking God to widen that circle to include others He would like me to maybe speak to. I will certainly spread the word about your lovely photos!
OK, I've got this wonderful little chart in my Life Application Bible. See what you think:
WRONG VIEW: Law of Fairness - God
"There is a law of fairness or justice that is higher and more absolute than God. It is binding even for God. God must act in response to that law in order for it to be fair. Our response is to appeal to that law."
CORRECT VIEW: Justice is contained in God
"God Himself is the standard of justice. He uses His power according to His own moral perfection. Thus, whatever He does is fair, even if we don't understand it. Our response is to appeal directly to Him."
"There is no standard or criterion higher than God Himself by which to judge. God Himself is the standard. Our only option is to submit to His authority and rest in His care."
I'm saying a big "AMEN" to that!!
GOD BLESS!
Love the little insight from your Life Application Bible.
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon -
ReplyDeleteThank you...
GOD is sovereign and, according to His Word, He does whatsoever He pleases.
I heard Pastor John Hagee say once something like this, "People say to GOD, 'Let's make a deal' - GOD responds, 'This is the deal!'"
Debbie - Good, huh?!
ReplyDeleteSandra - John Hagee's quote - how delightful!! And how true! Thank God He DOESN'T always give me MY way. If He was "fair" I'm not sure any of us would be saved...
GOD BLESS!