I am watching a show called “The Last Kingdom”. The star of the show gets really mad and wants justice. As I am watching the show, I am thinking I too would have wanted justice if what happened to him had happened to me.
After this, I started to think was that really the right way to think. We are judged by how we judge others.
Matthew 7:2 New International Version (NIV)
2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
If I really want justice, then do I not deserve to have justice passed against me. Since I like everyone else killed Christ, then do I not deserve death? However God is merciful and has not only allowed me to live, but has granted me a way to have eternal life. Since God is merciful towards us, then we should too be merciful toward others.
Do not confuse the justice that most men seek with justice that criminals should face. Criminals need to pay for their crimes.
Romans 13:1-7 New International Version (NIV)
Submission to Governing Authorities
13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
However, the justice most men seek is vengeance. That is the type of justice we are not supposed to seek.
Romans 12:19 New International Version (NIV)
19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
If you are having problems with wanting justice because you feel that someone has wronged you, then I urge you to pray to God for help. God is merciful and can help you to become merciful as well. However, you must repent and all that means is turning 180 degrees from the direction you were heading. It is a hard path, but if you really want to change then make the first move to show God that you are serious.