Subverting Justice is Not Mercy

Scripture: Do not spread false reports. Do not help a guilty person by being a malicious witness. Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd,  and do not show favoritism to a poor person in a lawsuit. Exodus 23:1-3

Observation: Moses tells the laws of God, which here this subsection is titled the laws of "justice and mercy". These laws primarily deal with ... lying, and especially lying in a manner that manipulates an outcome. The people are warned they are not to do this, even if they are doing so in a manner that appears to provide mercy, such as to aid a poor person, or to support the majority opinion. Justice and mercy and not to be confused. Mercy involves aiding people - even your enemy - when they have need. Justice involves telling the truth and being honest in all dealing. At no time does mercy involve controverting justice.

Application: There is certainly an element of our society today that believe "justice" is best served by retaliating against those who have perceived advantage, be it by race, gender, status, or title. God is clear - we are to have mercy on the disadvantaged, but exercise proper justice independent of that concept.

Our society is so divided, and getting worse, and this concept is close to the heart of that division. We have many people with advantage who refuse mercy on others. We have many people who would achieve 'mercy' by retaliating against others through lies, manipulation, and outright public attacks in which they feel justified. Convoluting mercy and justice is a problem God has warned us about. They are two different concepts yet core to God's instructions, as Micah calls out. It seems important that we find a way to separate and balance them again.

Prayer: Lord, I see your instructions, though I have very, very little ability to influence this in society. In fact, I may be exactly the type of person who cannot speak into society on this issue. That said, may your love do the talking. I pray that your message be heard, and your will be done. I desire to see a rebirth of civility in our nation and our community, driven by an understanding of your love for all. I can show that love, and I will strive to do so. Amen.