During the past few years, Koreans have become more interested in politics. Some say that countries with a low voting rate are the good ones to live in – in other words, when politicians do a good job, the people will just trust them to do a good job and be less interested. But if there is a lot of controversy, the people will become concerned and come out with signs to protest and vote.
One of the most frequently raised slogans in politics these days is fairness. This can be explained to refer to justice and righteousness. The meaning of these concepts would not be enough even with a very thick book. But these concepts have become clearer in my mind as I read the bible over the years. In the Korean version of the bible, these two concepts are used interchangeably, probably because they are quite similar in nature.
Justice is quite similar to fairness, and refers more to equality. It refers to taking an objective view and acting upon what is right or wrong, rather than based on specific political viewpoints.
“If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also” and “if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well” – these verses do not justify unfair actions and activities.
The world can never be fair – since even the judges of this world, who need to be fairer than anyone else, fail to be from time to time. That doesn’t mean that we should be consumed with rage and a desire for vengeance. In the same way that Jesus and Paul did, we must protest against unfairness but ultimately leave the final judgement to God – and continue walking down our paths without stopping.
In addition, justice does not solve all problems – sometimes, acting in a just way doesn’t lead to satisfying everyone’s needs. However, that doesn’t mean that we can ignore justice and side with the weak every time. Could there be a way to uphold justice while also fulfilling the needs of others?
The best way to do this is to fill that need by sacrificing ourselves. The bible calls this righteousness. Jesus lived in this way, and he is asking us to uphold justice in the same way – by being righteous.
Justice reminds us of being analytical; whereas righteousness is akin to a warm heart. Righteousness is Jesus’s way of actively pursuing justice.
Romans 3:21-22 But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference.
