The words, “Equal Justice Under Law” are inscribed on the west side of the United States Supreme Court: On its east pediment are the words, “Justice the Guardian of Liberty.” Both inscriptions underscore that America desires to be a nation of laws upholding fairness for everybody. It surprises no one that justice is a value based not only on our shared experience, but it is also derived from the nature and character of God our creator. God is just, and justice is a key component of all our relationships, whether government, family, neighbors, or society at large. God’s bullhorn of justice was sounded by His prophets of old. One was Nahum. We read in Nahum CH 1 of God’s promise to judge a nation that had acted unjustly toward another one. God said He would use the forces of nature—storms, drought, whirlwinds, earthquakes—to inflict judgment upon wicked oppressors. Yet despite God’s declaration to punish evil, He assures the righteous of His kindness, saying, “The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him.” So we should seek to live with integrity, loving God and loving people, treating all with love, respect, and fairness.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
