A Reflection on Justice, Forgiveness, and Faith
In the stillness of introspection, I am reminded of the profound call to treat others with justice and to carry myself righteously in all relationships. There is an undeniable power in aligning my actions with what is right, for in doing so, I open my life to favor and blessings beyond comprehension. This invitation to live justly is not borne out of obligation alone but out of love—a love that reflects divinity, extending grace to those who may falter or wrong me.
One of the hardest lessons I am continuously called to embrace is the practice of forgiveness. It is tempting to repay actions in kind, to mirror the hurt inflicted upon me. Yet, there is wisdom in the understanding that those who harm often do so out of ignorance, believing their actions to be justified in their own eyes. To forgive is not merely an act of letting go but an act of showing mercy, just as mercy has been abundantly shown to me. Mercy is not weakness; it is strength clothed in compassion, a reflection of the just nature of God.
The justice of God is not limited to what can be seen outwardly. It reaches into the hidden chambers of the heart, weighing not just the actions of men but their motives as well. This knowledge humbles me and urges me to examine my own intentions. Am I acting out of selflessness, love, or pride? In forgiving, I release not only the other person but also myself, clearing a path for blessings to flow and promises to be realized.
Faith, too, is central to this journey. I recognize that I have not yet reached the full potential of my faith. Life, with its challenges and trials, endeavors to test me—not to weaken me but to refine me. Each trial is a lesson in endurance, a stepping stone towards growth in maturity and trust. Faith is not always easy; it requires persistence, especially when faced with circumstances that stretch the limits of my understanding.
There will be moments when my faith is pushed to its brink, when the weight of my problems seems unbearable. The temptation to flee from these challenges is ever-present, but I am reminded that the storms of life are not designed to destroy me; they are crafted to cause me to grow. To grow in faith. To grow in trust. To grow in the understanding that every trial bears the seed of transformation.
Faithfulness to the end is the charge I must embrace. Promises often come with a journey, and that journey is rarely straightforward. Yet, God’s promises are steadfast, and remaining faithful through the trials is the key to unlocking those promises. Running from problems may bring temporary relief, but it robs me of the opportunity to grow stronger, wiser, and closer to the divine.
In this reflection, I am called to remember that justice, mercy, forgiveness, and faith are not isolated virtues; they are interconnected. To live righteously and to treat others justly is to reflect the mercy I have received. To forgive is to walk in the light of grace. And to face challenges with faith is to honor the growth that God envisions for me. Through these actions, I find not only blessings but also the profound realization of purpose and promise.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 