The Justice of God

In many courts of law, especially in the western world, Justice is depicted as a blindfolded woman holding scales in one hand and a sword in the other. This image proudly conveys the message that blind justice treats people as equals, without partiality, and this is what safeguards the rule of law in modern democracies. But is it really just to treat unequals equally? Doesn't that keep the status quo of inequality?

In contrast to blind justice, biblical justice is open-eyed and with hands outstretched  to the oppressed and those in need. It is not about maintaining order and balance in the interest of the powerful, but of righting wrongs and transforming relationships in the interests of the oppressed ~ "Shalom". Many dispense blind justice and aggressive justice instead of rising to the vision of Shalom!

True justice requires the wisdom to know when equality means treating everyone the same, and when it means treating everyone according to their need. The blindfold protects against prejudice, but compassion requires us to see clearly—for one cannot lift up those who have fallen without first recognizing they are on the ground.