5 Ways to Fight Injustice

I am not political. In fact, some might say, “I am just a housewife”. But something came over me when I heard of a recent Pastor’s imprisonment. Compassion moved me, so much so, I could almost see the walls, hear the echoing cries from the prison cell he was trapped in.

Missional living, simply put, is “helping others”. It can be going overseas, feeding the poor, caring for widows, or even parenting and passing on scriptural lessons to our children.

Still, when I think of a Missional life, I forget it can also mean not silencing the cries of people hurting, or sharing the plight of a dying world with others who may be ambivalent.

See, Jesus is our greatest example of living in light of eternity; a servant, for others, not for His own cause or reputation.  And as a writer, I never want public approval to dictate my passions or purpose.

Maybe that is why I jumped on the bandwagon?  I saw a pastor, much like the ones I had met in China….Fearless men, willing to give their lives so Jesus might be known. 

And somehow I grabbed ahold of the thought, “What if that was me in that prison cell?”, “What if that was my son or daughter?”  Would I want the world to remain silent, as I suffered for the gospel?

Jesus came to redeem injustices. His humble sacrifice was the blood that paid the price so that the wickedness in this world could be made right.  Jesus didn’t turn from his cause saying, “this is too hard”, or cave to worldly opinions, for the sake of “getting along”.

Jesus lay at the cross His own reputation.  He was willing to not only live, but to die for His own convictions.  He was a God who felt the needs of the hurting around Him, so much so, He had to do something.

Here are 5 reasons why speaking out against injustice is Biblical missional living.

1. Jesus came to a proclaim liberty to the captives, recovering sight to the blind and giving liberty to those oppressed. (Luke 4:18-19)

2. Scripture tells us….Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. (Psalms 83:20)

3. The Bible instructs….Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause. (Isaiah 1:17)

4. The Lord tells us: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. (Jer 22:3)

5. We are called in love to…Open our mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open our mouth, judge righteously; defend the rights of the poor and needy. (Prov 31:8-9)

So how do you use your voice to advocate for others?  
Here are 5 ways…

1. Take the time to vote. We are blessed with the right to have a say in our community on political, legal, and social issues.

2. Be a volunteer Guardian Ad Litem, advocating in the court for foster children, the abused, or the oppressed.

3. Write letters to congressmen and/or senators helping them be aware of injustices taking place.

4. Go to city council or neighborhood meetings; offering support, advocacy, and encouragement to officials and community leaders.

5. Start a prayer group, petitioning the God of justice for healing in homes, hearts, and communities.

Matthew 7:12 says, “Whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them…” 

And after all, if we were imprisoned for our faith, suffering abuse, bound by the oppression of a dictating government….wouldn’t we want someone to do something?

About Jen

Though born, raised, and still living only miles from where she grew up, Jen's heart lies in the nations. Jen loves the beautiful tapestry found in the wide diversity of people, different cultures, and all nations.  Jen and her husband have been married twenty years, and have parented fifteen kids and counting; twelve foster, one adopted, and two bios.  Her multi-racial family reflects her passion for unity, desire for faith without walls, and missional mindset to share both the gospel and the power of redemption to a world desperately needing the hope found in Jesus Christ. Jen and her husband have led in a variety of ministries; including prayer, small groups, children's, and women’s.  Jen advocates for the orphan as a board member for the non-profit, A New Song; and loves doing missions work internationally, along with her family.  You can find Jen writing about faith, while challenging her readers at her blog, Rich Faith Rising, as well as at tweeting faith-filled messages @Jen_Avellaneda .  Jen is also on facebook.  

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