Reflecting on a Missing Piece of God’s Character
Introduction: Why Do We Talk Less About God’s Justice?
If you’ve spent time in church or reading Christian books, you’ve probably noticed that we hear a lot about God’s love, kindness, and mercy. These are wonderful truths—and for good reason, they bring comfort and hope. But have you ever wondered why we don’t hear as much about the justice of God? It’s almost as if this part of who God is gets left out of the conversation, and I think that’s something worth reflecting on. Why is God’s justice talked about less, and what are we missing when we don’t pay attention to it?
The Danger of a One-Sided View
It’s easy to understand why we focus on God’s pleasing qualities. Who wouldn’t want to hear about unconditional love and endless patience? But if we only ever talk about the qualities of God that make us feel comfortable, we start to create a picture of Him that’s incomplete. Imagine describing a friend as “always fun” but never mentioning their honesty or sense of responsibility; you’d have a lopsided view of who they really are. In the same way, ignoring God’s justice can give us a distorted image of Him—one that misses the depth and richness of His character.
The Full Picture: Why Every Attribute Matters
God is love, but He is also just. These are not opposites or competing traits. In fact, God’s justice is an expression of His love and goodness. Justice means that God cares about what’s right. He doesn’t turn a blind eye to evil, pain, or suffering—He addresses it. Knowing this, we can trust that God’s goodness isn’t just a warm feeling but a solid commitment to fairness and truth. To really know God, we need to embrace all the ways He reveals Himself in scripture, not just the ones that make us feel good.
Human Reactions to Justice: Discomfort and Comfort
Let’s be honest: the idea of God’s justice can make us uncomfortable. For many people, especially those who aren’t sure what they believe, justice brings up thoughts of judgment or punishment. It might even feel threatening or scary. But for believers—those who trust in Jesus—God’s justice is something entirely different. It becomes a source of comfort and hope. Why? Because it means that wrongs will be made right, that evil doesn’t have the last word, and that God’s promises can be trusted.
Scriptural Examples: Hope Found in God’s Justice
The Bible is full of stories where God’s justice is a reason for joy and relief. The Psalms, for example, often celebrate God as a righteous judge who defends the oppressed and stands up for those who suffer. When the Israelites were in slavery, God’s justice meant deliverance for them. In the New Testament, Jesus’ death and resurrection are the ultimate demonstration of God’s justice and mercy working together—He pays the penalty for sin so that we can be forgiven and restored. Far from being something to fear, God’s justice brings hope to those who belong to Him.
Justice as the Foundation: God’s Throne and Governance
Scripture describes God’s throne as being founded on righteousness and justice. This is more than just poetic language; it tells us that everything God does is rooted in what is right and fair. When we see injustice in our world, it can shake our faith—unless we remember that God cares even more than we do, and He will set things right in His time. Justice isn’t just one part of God’s character; it’s the foundation of how He governs the universe.
Conclusion: Embracing the Full Counsel of God’s Character
We need the whole picture of who God is. Focusing only on His love without His justice, or His justice without His love, gives us a shallow understanding. Preachers and believers alike should strive to present God as He reveals Himself—not just as we wish Him to be. When we embrace both His love and His justice, we find a God who is trustworthy, good, and worth following. Let’s not shy away from the tough topics, but instead, let’s celebrate the depth and beauty of God’s character as shown in scripture—justice and all.
Minister A Francine Green
January 2026
afrancinegreen.com 