Understanding God’s Truth About Equality and Justice
Have you ever felt torn, unsure if your feelings or instincts were leading you in the right direction? That’s because our hearts can be tricky, often deceiving us. The Bible warns us about this in Jeremiah 17:9, saying, “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things. It is desperately wicked.” Who really knows how bad it is? This verse urges us to be cautious. We should not trust our emotions and instincts blindly. They are often clouded by selfishness, pride, or fear.
This idea sounds harsh. It reveals a powerful truth: as humans, we can easily justify actions that aren’t right. We can also call good things bad. Our hearts, shaped by our experiences, upbringing, and inner struggles, can mislead us in ways we don’t even realize. But here’s the good news—God sees through all of that. He searches our hearts and minds and guides us toward what is true and just. By staying close to Him, we can avoid being led astray by our own flawed judgment.
The Need for Justice
Looking around at the world today, it’s clear that deception in the human heart has caused more than personal struggles. It has fueled systems of injustice, racism, and hate. The headlines show us how deeply divided we are, especially when it comes to issues of race and inequality. We’ve seen heartbreaking acts of violence, racism, and oppression toward marginalized communities, including African Americans, Asians, and other groups. These aren’t new problems, but they continue urgent ones.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” These words remind us that we all share a responsibility. We must confront injustice wherever it shows up and in whatever form it takes. Racism, for example, is not just an individual issue—it’s woven into systems that affect people’s lives in profound ways. It’s a painful truth, but acknowledging it is the first step toward healing and change.
Hope in God’s Justice
As difficult as these conversations about justice and race can be, they are necessary. The Bible shows us that God is deeply concerned with justice. Time and time again, He gave warnings and opportunities for repentance to the nation of Israel before bringing judgment. This reveals His patience and wish for all people to turn back to Him. God still works through people today to bring change. He also holds nations accountable, just as He did in the past.
Racism has long been a dividing force in America. Still, more people are beginning to speak out against it. They are taking steps toward reconciliation. This is a sign of hope, even in the midst of pain. As we move forward, it’s vital for the church to represent God’s Kingdom by standing for justice and healing. This isn’t just about political or social action—it’s about reflecting God’s heart, which is both just and merciful.
A Call to Action
What can we do with all of this? First, we need to examine our own hearts. Are there areas where we’ve been deceived or have justified wrong actions? We can ask God to show us and guide us toward truth. Second, we can take a stand against injustice. This means having hard conversations. It involve educating ourselves or supporting those who are working toward equity and healing. And finally, we can hold onto the hope that God is at work, even when things seem overwhelming.
The human heart can be deceitful, but God’s truth is steadfast. And when it comes to justice and love, we can trust Him to guide us every step of the way.
In His service,
Min. Dr. A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 