Basics

I want to be clear that when I am talking about justice issues I am not talking about giving anyone (the poor, minorities, illegal aliens, third world country citizens, etc.) things, money, a free pass to ignore laws or my pity. There is a place in crisis to give and give freely to those in need. Those who are enslaved, victims of war, famine, and natural disaster need triage type care - immediate and generous, but I believe that doing something that does not in the long run lift people from the situation they are in by empowering them and encouraging them to use their gifts and talents is not a good use of resources and energy and can cause harm.

Since giving things and money is so much easier and can sooth our consciences it is what we Americans excel at. Not everyone can be personally involved in ministries that empower and encourage indigenous people (whether these people are found on the other side of the tracks in our towns or half way around the world), but we should educate ourselves about how the groups we give money to work and then give money not only to those who rescue but also those who spend time building relationships with and equipping the people they are ministering to to become strong spiritually, emotionally and economically. If you are interested in exploring this subject in more depth I can recommend When Helping Hurts, How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor and Yourself by Brian Fikkert and Steve Corbett.

For some reason the whole issue of justice, which should have an integral part in our hearts and experience as Christians, has been perverted so that many evangelical Christians believe that considering justice is what liberal churches do when they march in protest with illegal aliens. To me true justice is not unchecked mercy. Instead it is having properly motivated mercy - mercy that desires long term good over short term help that might actually be hurtful in the long run.