Are the messages you hear around you teaching that God gave government the responsibility to enact justice by punishing those who do wrong and commending those who do right? Are they teaching that justice requires every person be treated equally (not that there must be equal outcomes) and that those who commit offenses must personally make them right, and this payment then brings an end to the matter? Are they teaching that government should apply the principles of equality and equal restitution to all areas of law? Are they promoting Biblical values in ways that are consistent with Scripture? Are they teaching the need for Jesus to heal the hurts caused by sins of injustice, and that only Jesus can give us the love required for forgiveness and virtue?

When they heard the message of John the Baptist, the people asked him a brilliant question: “What then shall we do?” They understood that they needed to apply God’s truth to their lives, and respond with action (Luke 3:7-17).

This is also the question we need to ask as we consider God’s instructions on government and justice.