God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.
Matthew 5:6 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.5.6.NLT
Satisfaction is given by God to those who pursue justice and righteousness. Justice and righteousness are both used by bible translators in communicating these words of Jesus in the English language. To understand each word a little bit better, let’s look at what scripture has to say:
- Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows. Isaiah 1:17 NLT
- There is joy for those who deal justly with others and always do what is right. Psalms 106:3 NLT
- The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices. Proverbs 21:3 NLT
- Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Galatians 6:7 NLT
- Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. James 1:20 NLT
- Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor. Proverbs 21:21 NLT
- But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:11 NLT
God wants us to know that He blesses us when we seek to do what is right and just on behalf of everyone with a deep satisfaction that comes only from Him. Jesus, in a very real sense of the word, is our justice and righteousness before God. As we live out this truth, we become the expression of everything right and fair in a world that is wrong and unfair.
Reflection
God loves righteousness and justice. It brings Him joy. Come to think about it, there is deep joy knowing I have treated others right and fair. My heart breaks when I don’t care for people in ways that are fair and true. There is no satisfaction in taking advantage of people.
Encouragement
Justice and Righteousness are received best through Jesus. Our relationship with Him, the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, gives us the capacity to pursue of life of justice and righteousness. This leads to a satisfaction that is found nowhere else, but in our relationship with God.
Prayer
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for being righteousness and justice in my life. Holy Spirit, Thank You for guiding me in pursuing a life of just and right living on behalf of myself and others. Father, Thank You for your love of justice and righteousness. Thank You for the deep satisfaction in life that comes from living this way.
In Jesus name, Amen