Yellow: Direct Response
Light Yellow: Additional Response
Celeste: Additional Points
“He looked for justice, but it turned out that there was injustice” (Isaiah 5:7).
1, 2. How do many people react to injustices, and what might we ask ourselves?
In the world we live in, many people are treated unfairly, whether because of their economic status, gender, culture or place of origin, race, or other reasons. Furthermore, some leaders and businesspeople make selfish decisions without regard for the harm they may cause to the planet and its inhabitants. These and other injustices affect us all, either directly or indirectly.
2 Of course, we all want to live in peace and be treated well. That's why it's normal that many people are outraged when they see so much injustice. Some join social movements with the goal of changing things. They support campaigns, demonstrations, and political leaders who promise to fight against injustice. But we Christians know that we must not be “part of the world” and that the Kingdom of God will end all injustices. (John 17:16). Even so, it hurts us and even angers us to see people suffering injustice. We might ask ourselves: “How should I react? Is there anything I can do now to improve the situation?” In this article we will answer those questions. But first, let's see how Jehovah and Jesus feel when they see injustice.
Jehovah and Jesus hate injustice.
3. Why is it natural for us to feel indignant at injustices? (Isaiah 5:7).
3 The Bible explains why it is natural for us to feel indignant at injustice: Jehovah created us in his image, and “he loves righteousness and justice” (Psalm 33:5; Genesis 1:26). He never commits injustice, and he does not want anyone else to either. (Deut. 32:3, 4; Micah 6:8; Zech. 7:9). For example, in the days of the prophet Isaiah, Jehovah heard the “cry of distress” of many Israelites who were being mistreated by other Israelites. (Read Isaiah 5:7). He punished those who persisted in disobeying his Law and in treating others unfairly (Isaiah 5:5, 13).
4. What does the story of the man with a paralyzed hand teach us about Jesus? (See also the image.)
4 Like Jehovah, Jesus loves justice and hates injustice. Let us consider something that happened when he was on Earth. One day he saw a man with a paralyzed hand. He took pity on him and healed it. But when the religious leaders saw this, they became angry. For those callous men, it was more important to uphold their rigid interpretation of the Sabbath law than to help a man in suffering. When Jesus saw their reaction, he was “grieved deeply that their hearts were hardened” (Mark 3:1-6).
ILLUSTRATION
Jesus is in a synagogue speaking to the Jewish religious leaders about the man with the withered hand whom he is going to heal. The religious leaders look at Jesus with contempt.
Jewish religious leaders had no empathy for those who suffered, but Jesus did. (See paragraph 4.)
5. What should we remember if we get angry about an injustice?
5 Since Jehovah and Jesus get angry when they see injustice, it is not wrong for us to feel the same way. (Eph. 4:26 and the study note “When They Get Angry”). However, we must remember that our anger—even if justified—will not eliminate that injustice. In fact, if we harbor anger for too long or fail to control it, we can harm our emotional and physical health. (Psalm 37:1, 8; James 1:20). So, to know how we should react to injustice, let's analyze the example of Jesus.
HOW JESUS REACTED TO INJUSTICES
6. What injustices did Jesus see when he was on Earth? (See also the picture.)
6 Jesus saw many injustices when he was on Earth. For example, he knew that religious leaders made life impossible for people with endless rules. (Matt. 23:2-4). He was also aware of how badly the Roman authorities treated the people. There were many Jews who wanted independence from Rome, and some—like the Zealots—were willing to fight for it. However, Jesus neither led nor supported any social movement for change. When he learned that people wanted to make him king, he left immediately. (Juan 6:15).
ILLUSTRATION
While a multitude of people are gathered at the foot of a mountain, Jesus is going up a path by himself.
When people wanted Jesus to get involved in the political problems of his time, he distanced himself from them. (See paragraph 6.)
7, 8. Why did Jesus not try to end the injustices of his time? (John 18:36).
7 Jesus did not get involved in political affairs to try to end the injustices of his time. Why not? Because he knew that human beings have neither the right nor the ability to govern themselves (Psalm 146:3; Jeremiah 10:23). Nor can they eliminate the true causes of injustice. On one side is Satan, who controls this world and uses his authority to make people as cruel as he is (John 8:44; Eph. 2:2). On the other side is imperfection, which prevents us from always acting justly, no matter how good our intentions may be (Eccl. 7:20).
8 Jesus knew that only the Kingdom of God could eradicate the root causes of injustice. Therefore, he decided that the best way to use his time and energy was by “preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God.” (Luc. 8:1). He assured those who were “hungry and thirsty for justice” that corruption and injustice would disappear forever. (Matt. 5:6 and the study note; Luke 18:7, 8). That will not be accomplished by any human government, but by God’s Kingdom, which “is no part of this world” (read John 18:36).
IN THE FACE OF INJUSTICE, LET US IMITATE JESUS
9. Why are you convinced that only the Kingdom of God will eliminate injustices?
9 Since we live in “the last days,” we see even more injustice than Jesus did. But the causes remain the same: Satan and the imperfect people who imitate him (2 Tim. 3:1-5, 13; Rev. 12:12). Like Jesus, we know that only the Kingdom of God will eliminate the root causes of injustice. Since that is the only government we support, we do not participate in protests, demonstrations, or other initiatives that claim to fight injustice. Let's look at the case of a sister named Stacy. Before learning the truth, she used to participate in activities that supported social change. But after a while, she began to have doubts about whether what she was doing was worthwhile. She says: “When I was at the protests, I wondered if I was advocating for the best solution. Now that I support God’s Kingdom, I know I am standing up for the best solution. I am convinced that Jehovah will do far more for the disadvantaged than I ever could.” (Ps. 72:1, 4).
10. According to Matthew 5:43-48, why don't we try to promote social change? (See also the image.)
10 Many of the groups that form to promote social change have a rebellious and conflictive attitude, which goes against what Jesus did and said. (Eph. 4:31). A brother named Jeffrey says: “I know that some protests that start out peaceful can turn into violence and looting in a matter of seconds.” Now, Jesus teaches us to treat all people with love, including those who do not think like us or who persecute us (read Matthew 5:43-48). And we Christians strive to faithfully follow his example and teachings in every aspect of life.
ILLUSTRATION
On a busy street, a sister walks calmly looking ahead as she passes by a demonstration.
We must be courageous and determined to remain neutral in the political and social affairs of this world. (See paragraph 10).
11. Why can we sometimes find it difficult to follow Jesus' example?
11 Although we know that the Kingdom of God will end all injustice forever, we may find it difficult to follow Jesus' example when we are treated unfairly. Let’s look at what happened to Janiya, who was discriminated against because of her skin color. She says: “I felt very sad. I was also very angry and wanted those responsible to pay for what they had done to me. So I thought about supporting a group that protested against racism and discrimination. I thought that would be a good way to channel my anger.” However, in time she realized that she needed to correct her way of thinking. She explains: “I saw that others were influencing me and that instead of trusting in Jehovah, I was starting to rely on human solutions, so I decided to cut off all contact with that group.” When we suffer or witness injustice, it's normal to feel anger. But let's not allow that to cause us to lose our neutrality in the social and political affairs of this world. (Juan 15:19).
12. Why should we choose carefully what we watch, read, or listen to?
12 What can help us stay calm when we see or experience injustice? One thing we can do is choose carefully what we see, read, or hear. Some social media platforms are rife with exaggerated stories designed to alarm people and fuel complaints about political leaders. On the other hand, reporters are often biased, presenting the news through the lens of their own opinions. Even if the information about an injustice is correct, what good does it do to keep going over it? If we spend too much time watching, reading, or listening to news about this issue, we may end up becoming increasingly frustrated or discouraged (Prov. 24:10). Even worse, we could forget what the only solution to injustice is: God’s Kingdom.
13. How does daily Bible reading help us?
13 Another thing that will help us is to read the Bible every day and meditate on what we read. A sister named Alia was deeply outraged to see that some people in her community were being mistreated and that the perpetrators were not being punished. She relates: “I had to remind myself that it is Jehovah who will solve these problems. Then I read Job 34:22-29, which assures us that no one can hide from Jehovah. Only he has a perfect sense of justice, and only he can set things right.” So, is there anything we can do now, while we wait for God's Kingdom to put an end to all injustice?
WHAT CAN WE DO NOW?
14. What is one of the things we can do now? (Colossians 3:10, 11).
14 We cannot prevent others from committing injustices, but it is within our power to decide how we are going to treat others. As we have already seen, we imitate Jesus by showing love. And that love compels us to treat all people with respect, including those who act unjustly. (Matt. 7:12; Rom. 12:17). Jehovah is pleased when he sees that we are kind and fair to everyone. (Read Colossians 3:10, 11).
15. What do we achieve by preaching?
15 The best way to fight injustice is by preaching the Bible's message. Why do we say this? Because the "knowledge of Jehovah" can change an aggressive and violent person into someone kind and peaceful. (Isaiah 11:6, 7, 9) Before he knew the truth, a man named Jemal joined a rebel group fighting against what he considered an oppressive government. He says: “You can’t change people by force, but you can by using the Bible. That’s what changed me.” What he learned by studying God’s Word motivated him to leave the fighting. Every person who allows themselves to be transformed by the Bible is one less person contributing to the injustices of this world.
16. Why do you want to preach the Kingdom message?
16 Like Jesus, we want to tell people that the Kingdom of God is the only lasting solution to injustice. In this way, we can give hope to those who have suffered injustice in this world. (Jer. 29:11). Stacy, mentioned in paragraph 9, explains: “Knowing the truth has helped me cope with the injustices I have seen and experienced. Through the Bible, Jehovah comforts us.” To be able to comfort others with the Bible’s promises, we need to be well prepared. The more convinced we are that God’s Kingdom will end all injustice, the easier it will be for us to address this subject tactfully if it comes up at school or at work.
17. How does Jehovah help us to cope with the injustices of this world?
17 We know that as long as Satan remains “the ruler of this world,” injustice will continue. But Jehovah will help us and promises that soon Satan “will be cast out.” (Juan 12:31). Furthermore, the Bible explains why there are so many injustices and assures us that it pains Him to see us suffer.(Ps. 34:17-19). And through his Son he teaches us how we should react to the injustices of this world and how his Kingdom will soon put an end to them once and for all. (2 Pet. 3:13). So let us continue zealously preaching the good news of the Kingdom while we eagerly await the day when “justice and righteousness” will fill the earth (Isa. 9:7).
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
Why are we so outraged by injustices?
Because Jehovah created us in his image, and since “he loves righteousness and justice,” he never commits injustice and does not want anyone else to either. Like Jehovah, Jesus loves justice and hates injustice. Since Jehovah and Jesus become angry when they see injustice, it is natural for us to feel the same way.
Why don't we support human initiatives that aim to fight against injustices?
Because many groups that form to promote social change have a rebellious and conflictive attitude, which goes against what Jesus did and said. He teaches us to treat all people with love, including those who don't think like us or who persecute us. And we Christians strive to faithfully follow his example and teachings in every aspect of life.
What can we do now in the face of injustice?
The best way to fight injustice is by preaching the Bible's message, because "knowledge of Jehovah" can change an aggressive and violent person into a kind and peaceful one.
We cannot prevent others from committing injustices, but we can decide how we treat others. Christians imitate Jesus, showing love and treating all people with respect, including those who act unjustly.
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