Traits of the Just
What does it mean to be just? We are just when we do that which is reliably right, fundamentally fair and innately equitable. To be just we must fully fear God and respectfully regard others.
The just fully fear God. The prophet Micah declared that the righteous “do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God” (Micah 6:8). The prophet Hosea professed, “The ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them” (Hosea 14:9). King Solomon concluded that fearing God and keeping His commandments is “the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Cornelius, the Centurion, was “a just man and one that feared God” (Acts 10:22). It is certain that the just fully revere God.
The just respectfully regard others. Being just necessitates that we overcome our biases and treat others evenhandedly and impartially. Even more, as Cornelius’ example shows, the just go beyond being implicitly impartial. We are innately equitable. We are motivated to flatten the curve of disparities among people because it is right to do so. Cornelius was a just man who “gave generously to those in need.” His selfless sensitivity to the needs of others was a measure of his morality. The just respectfully regard others.
On the other hand, the “unjust” as described in Jesus’ parable, “neither fear God nor regard man” (Luke 18:2). May we fully fear God and respectfully regard others. By doing so we will bend the arc of morality toward justice. May God bless the Schrader Lane Church of Christ.