Understanding What’s at Stake in the Headlines—and in Our Lives
“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.” Psalm 89:14
When we take the time to truly notice and understand the amazing things God does, we can’t help but be impressed and filled with admiration. Praising God means recognizing that He is unique—there’s no one else like Him. This understanding should inspire a deep sense of respect and humility whenever we come together to worship. Unfortunately, this sense of awe is often missing in our church gatherings, and it’s something we should honestly reflect on and seek to improve. The same mighty power that once struck Egypt will also protect and defend those who trust in Him, while those against Him will be scattered. For everyone who relies on God’s love, there is real joy, because everything He does is led by mercy, truth, justice, and fairness, not just now but for all time.
Headlines and Justice—Why It Matters
Every day, we’re bombarded by news headlines: “Government Shutdown Looms,” “Supreme Court Issues Landmark Decision,” “SNAP Benefits Cut,” “Debate Over Immigration Policies.” At first glance, these stories might seem far away from our daily routines. But beneath each headline lies a deeper question: Are we building a society rooted in justice and righteousness? These aren’t just fancy words—they shape what kind of world we live in, and what kind of future we create for ourselves and our children.
Understanding Righteousness and Justice: Definitions and Differences
Let’s start by breaking down what these terms mean in simple language.
· Justice is about fairness. It means making sure people are treated equally, rules are applied without favoritism, and those who do wrong are held accountable. Justice asks, “Is this fair to everyone?”
· Righteousness is about doing what’s right—not just by the law, but by our conscience. It’s living with honesty, kindness, and integrity, even when no one is watching. Righteousness asks, “Am I doing the right thing?”
While justice looks outward at how we treat others in society, righteousness looks inward at our personal choices and values. Both are important—but they’re not the same.
How Justice and Righteousness Intersect: Religious and Social Perspectives
Across many religions and cultures, justice and righteousness are deeply connected. For example, in faith traditions like Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, followers are called to “do justly and love mercy.” This means standing up for fairness and treating everyone with dignity. Socially, these values help us build trust with one another. When people act righteously, and when our systems are just, communities grow stronger and more peaceful.
Current Events: Justice and Righteousness in Today’s Headlines
Let’s look at some of the big stories in the news and how justice and righteousness come into play:
· Government Shutdowns: When the government shuts down, essential services like food assistance, healthcare, and safety programs can be paused or delayed. This can hurt vulnerable families the most. Is it just for those most in need to bear the brunt of political disagreements?
· SNAP Benefit Reductions: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps millions put food on the table. Cutting these benefits can push families into hunger. Justice and righteousness ask us to consider: Are we caring for those who are struggling?
· Supreme Court Decisions: When the nation’s highest court rules on issues—like voting rights, healthcare, or education—it can affect millions. Are these decisions upholding fairness and protecting the rights of all people?
· Immigration Policies: How we treat immigrants and refugees reflects our values. Are we being just and righteous when families are separated or people are denied safety and opportunity?
The Impact of Unjust Systems
When justice and righteousness are missing from our systems, the consequences ripple out in many ways:
· Health: Unfair access to healthcare can mean some people get the care they need, while others suffer.
· Education: Inequality in schools means some children have more opportunity than others, limiting their future.
· Crime: Unjust laws or biased enforcement can lead to higher crime rates and mistrust of authorities.
· Economy: When opportunities aren’t distributed fairly, poverty and wealth gaps grow.
· Social Cohesion: Injustice leads to division. People feel disconnected and less willing to help each other.
Examples of Unjust Systems: Racism, Gender Inequality, Poverty
Throughout history and still today, unjust systems have hurt millions:
· Racism: Discrimination based on race limits access to jobs, housing, and justice. This creates lasting harm to communities.
· Gender Inequality: When women or people of other genders are paid less or denied opportunities, it’s not just unfair—it holds everyone back.
· Poverty: When people are trapped in poverty because of unfair wages or lack of access to education, it’s a sign the system isn’t working for all.
These injustices don’t just hurt those directly affected—they weaken our whole society.
Why Justice and Righteousness Should Guide Us
We all want to live in a society that is fair, safe, and caring. Justice and righteousness are the keys to building that world. They remind us to look out for our neighbors, speak up when something is wrong, and make choices that help everyone thrive.
So, what can you do? Pay attention to how justice and righteousness show up in the news and in your own life. Support policies and leaders who put fairness and compassion first. Stand up against injustice, whether it’s in your workplace, your community, or on a bigger stage.
If we let justice and righteousness guide us—both in our actions and in our systems—we can create a society where everyone has a chance to live with dignity and hope. Let’s make that future together.
Minister A Francine Green
November 2025
afrancinegreen.com 