Justice that Reflects God's Heart | Day 39 Freedom Season Devotional

Scripture: Micah 6:8
And what does the Lord require of you  but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? (NKJV)

Inscribed above the main entrance on the west side of the Supreme Court building are the words, “Equal Justice Under Law.” On the east side of the building are the words, “Justice, the Guardian of Liberty. These sentiments express concepts foundational to American legal philosophy that everyone is entitled to equal justice and that justice is essential to maintaining a free society. 

In Micah 6:8, we are reminded that justice and mercy are like two sides of the same coin. One cannot operate fully without the other. If justice is harsh and does not take into account the spirit of the law, the result is a system that punishes behavior but does little or nothing to allow for a true change of heart. On the other hand, if mercy runs rampant and forgets that the letter of the law has its own purpose and function, it can open the door for anarchy where there is no legitimate consequence for destructive behavior. 

Justice and mercy are not political - they are biblical. We are called to reflect God’s character in every situation. Restorative justice provides fair and just consequences for breaking the law, while at the same time allowing for there to be a legitimate change of heart so that the individual does not desire to repeat their transgression and looks to move forward to a life as a more productive member of society.

Our mission is simple - do justly, love mercy and walk in humility with God. 

Reflection: Are there situations where a heart shift is needed on your part to bring you more into alignment with the instructions laid out in Micah 6:8?

Prayer: Father, shape my heart to reflect Yours. Teach me to act justify, love mercy and walk humbly in Your name in every situation I encounter. Amen.