Evil men do not understand justice, But they who long for and seek the Lord understand it fully.

Proverbs 28:5

In the heart of each person, God has instilled an innate sense of justice. At the core of our souls, our conscience tell us the difference between right and wrong. But when someone has pursued selfish ends long enough and hard enough, that sense of justice is clouded. Self-absorbed people experience a lot of disappointment and anger, and they often have a hair trigger when it comes to accusing God or anyone else who doesn’t meet their demands. We often hear them say, “That’s not fair!”

Our pursuit of God is a difficult climb. We experience wonderful moments when life is good, and at other times, we suffer through deep valleys of heartache. Much of the time, we march along life’s trails with friends and family, enjoying everyday blessings and overcoming obstacles. On this journey, we develop wisdom, as well as the ability to see beneath the surface and grasp the fact that God knows exactly what He’s doing; even when we don’t. We “understand all,” not by being clairvoyant, but by trusting that God is both good and great and that He is active in our lives all day every day.

Wise people realize that in this life some things are not fair, and they can live with that fact because they know that in the next life, a righteous judge will make all things right.

Zig Ziglar

A faith that has not been tested cannot be trusted.

Adrian Rogers

Usually when we talk about justice it involves us wanting for something wrong or some wrong done to us or those we care about to be made right. Sometimes when we cry out for justice for another’s actions we also cry out for mercy for ours. Our sense of justice calls for others to pay the penalty for doing wrong but we want to be given grace. This is why we must leave justice to God for He alone can be trusted to be just. Our desire for justice in this life sometimes makes us question the justice and fairness of God, but rest assured that when all is said and done God will rule in fairness and full justice will be served.

The Bible teaches us to leave the penalty of justice in the hands of God rather than trying to take revenge on those who do wrong. This doesn’t mean that we don’t advocate for justice and use every possible human means to ensure that fairness is what we strive for- both for ourselves and others.

Quite often when we think life isn’t fair, we think about those who may not be living “right” and yet they seem to get the breaks, the promotions, or some recognition that we may feel we deserve but seemed to be overlooked. Our reaction to that imbalance may cause us to question the fairness of life and God. Hear what Paul says to us in Romans:

“Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty [conceited, self-important, exclusive], but associate with humble people [those with a realistic self-view]. Do not overestimate yourself. Never repay anyone evil for evil. Take thought for what is right and gracious and proper in the sight of everyone. If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God’s wrath [and His judicial righteousness]; for it is written [in Scripture], “ Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome and conquered by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Romans 12:16-21

Those are great words to live by. I want to share with you some quotes about how we can respond when we feel that life is unfair. The following are from The Power of Positivity:

Sometimes you just need to talk to a four year old and an 84 year old to understand life again. – Kristen Butler

If you have nothing to be grateful for, check your pulse.

Always remember that your present situation is not your final destination. The best is yet to come.

Sometimes the bad things that happen in our lives put us directly on the path to the best things that will ever happen to us.

Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful.

Keep going…Difficult roads can lead to beautiful destinations.

We are instructed in the Scriptures to trust the guidance, the protection, and the provision of God in every situation. Once you learn that your source for everything comes from God and that in due season He makes all things right, even when life seems unfair you can rest in peace knowing that you are His child and that He cares for you. We have a great advocate in Christ who experienced unfairness in ways that none of us could imagine. Could you imagine how the words accusing Him of blasphemy must have hurt since He was being accused of blaspheming His Father? Or when He was accused of working by the power of the very devil whom He had come to destroy the works of? Or how about when He was crucified for our sins while He Himself had done no wrong? I think we can trust such a One with our lives and rest assured that in time He will bring justice and fairness. Proverbs tells us that those who seek God learn to understand justice. I think they also learn to understand mercy and grace. So today if you’re suffering some wrong beyond your power to make right, take the matter before the Lord who sees all and lay it down at His feet and trust Him to give you peace while you wait for justice.

Dr. John Thompson