We live in a world that’s passionate about causes. And so many are worthwhile. Yet it can be overwhelming when we try to think about how to pursue social justice as we go about our everyday, very ordinary lives. That’s why these words grabbed my heart.
This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Administer true justice: show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other” (Zech. 7:9-10).
The middle part I’m familiar with: help the widows and fatherless. It’s the beginning and the end that drew me in: Show mercy and compassion to one another…in your hearts do not think evil of each other.
Apparently how we treat each other in our daily lives and how we think about each other even when no one knows matters just as much to God as any other cause. And, man, some days it can feel a whole lot harder. Before we get on a plane to go serve in another country, reach in our wallets to write a check for strangers, or promote any cause in any way…we need to take a look at our hearts and the way we love those closest to us. Justice starts with the person right in front of you. And it’s not harsh. It’s gentle and full of compassion.
Love is the most powerful weapon in this world. And it’s the only one that heals instead of wounds.
Do you want to fight for a cause right where you are today? You can love those right in front of you. Then join with them to love on the next person, who can reach out to the next, who can reach out to the next…and that can help everything be different.
Changing the world often starts by changing your world.
And you are.
XOXO
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I wonder if changing the World might also begin with allowing God to change me, to change my heart, to soften it and deepen it, to renew my mind, to focus it and strengthen it AS WELL as starting with the person right in front of me. I am a recovering legalist and it’s in recognising His grace in me that stops me sliding back into those legalistic ways.
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to stop and reflect again this morning. Bless you xx
Yes, Ruth, letting God change us…so true. Thank you for sharing that perspective with us!
Please excuse my poor English, should have read it through more carefully before I pressed ‘publish’
Sorry
“Justice starts with the person right in front of you.” This sounds almost too easy, and yet, showing love and justice to those closest to me is so hard on the difficult days. This is an area where I need to seek growth. Thanks for this timely reminder.
Let’s both keep learning to love on people together, especially on the hard days.
Challenging and helpful, thank you Holley!
You’re so welcome!
I love love love this…you spoke profound truth with simplicity …that is a gift….and yes..justice starts with the person right in front of you…I think that maybe when we are faithful ….showing mercy and compassion in the small ways …right In front of us…our compassion and mercy to the oppressed ..orphans and widow might just be a more authentic walk of love. I am taking this with me today..thanks
Beautifully said, Ro.
This post spoke to me today so clearly. Loving others right In front of us ~~So true, if we want God to use us to change the world, then we need to let Him use us to change our corner of the world….change our hearts. A great way to start my day!
That is a great quote: “if we want God to use us to change the world, then we need to let Him use us to change our corner of the world….change our hearts.” Amen, girl!
Thanks so much Holley!
Actually today I needed these lines! My work is filled with ill people, suffering from many diseases. Sometimes they are kind and happy and sometimes they are really angry about everything and anything in their life. And I’m the one who is been touched hardly by all the pain and all the angry and depressive feelings. It’s hard to be the quiet and lovely woman, always smiling and being gentle. Even if it seems to hard to be hold. Your words inspired me in being their sunshine in the dark.
Thanks so much!
Be blessed!
Rosie
Rosie, may God give you strength and peace in this hard and glorious work you’re doing in helping those who suffer.
Rosie,
Prayers for strength to endure and be the sunshine and light that these people need! 🙂
I too, am brought up short by your words. Sometimes, it feels easier to love those who are “far away” than the ones right in front of us. Thank you for the reminder to look at those right in front of me with mercy and compassion. Love truly is the most powerful weapon.
I think we can all forget this sometimes and I’m glad we can help each other remember. XO
God bless you: Proverbs 10:6 “Blessings are upon the head of the uncompromisingly righteous the upright, in right standing with God but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. “
Thank you for sharing that Scripture, Elizabeth!
Thank you Holley. Compassion and mercy are so needed in my heart for others and by others.
So true–we all need to give and RECEIVE compassion and mercy.
I so adore you, Holley! This is so good – and so necessary! It’s really all about love – and loving the one in front of you!
I {heart} you right back, girl! 🙂
This really struck a chord with me. I need to love my husband better; he is so needy now. Thanks for the reminder.
Your husband is blessed to have a wife like you!
“Justice starts with the person right in front of you.” Yes!
BEcause love casts out all fear – The widow, the orphan, the friend on the end of the phone – fear of injustice, fear of rejection, fear of what is in the darkness of loss. When we love well, we bring the love of the Father that casts out all fear.
Very thought provoking post, Holley. Good Job. <3
I love that perspective, Diane, that we are really casting out fear when we love.
First of all, I loved the graphic and your words that brought me here to read this today. Then I was just stirred deeply in my soul over the message. So often the people I am surrounded by get so caught up in their causes – civic, political, missions, personal pet projects – well, frankly at times it gets nauseating to me. I see them ignoring their closest companions and procrastination is prevailing regarding long-standing issues hurting their relationships with family and closest friends. In the end we all suffer, though the words “I love you” are exchanged in these wounded relationships. Still, they continue on with their causes, and it grieves my spirit…makes my heart cry out in prayer. Maybe I’m guilty of this too, knowing that things that bother us often reflect our own shortcomings. I hope if that is the case, that I am getting better at loving those right in front of me and surrounding me. Thanks for helping me to consciously consider if how I am treating or responding to someone today is hurting them or loving/healing them!
Okay, I was about to submit this and was suddenly realizing that I am reading a book right now that ties in with this, but for marriage relationships, especially abusive ones in which the person who claims to or is supposed to love you is causing the wounds and hurts you suffer. It is “Love Without Hurt” by Steven Stosny, Ph.D. As I am reading it, it is helping me to heal, and maybe there is someone else out there reading your post today that needs to know about it too. I just felt compelled to reference it here. PERFECT LOVE CASTS OUT FEAR…and heals justly.
Bless you, Holley, and I thank God for the blessing you are!
Thanks for sharing your story and this book, Babs!
WOAH,I got to tell you..you lifted my spirits today! Beautifully stated . I have never commented on any of your posts. However, that quote about “justice starts with the person right in front of you” is so powerful. It is one I hope I never forget.
Lately , as I have watched the changing news, I admit to being depressed about the State of our Union and how we treat the least amongst us..Today, and with this post, you have not only lifted my spirits, but I know I need to make a plan and act to make a difference in my corner of the world. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! May God continue to give you words of wisdom that help to inspire and encourage others.
Thank you so much for commenting for the first time, girl! Go make that plan. 🙂
Your writing seems to be an answer to my prayers and yet still praying for clarity from God. Why do so many of the people in my world, seem to have no desire to integrate a personal relationship with God. Let alone come and worship in community. How can I best touch their hearts? I wrote a blog this week that I can see over 150 read. Yet I never know where they are at on the journey. People hold that relationship so private. I am so touched by God’s abundant love and mercy I can’t keep it down.
love this. recently experienced this with people close to me. it felt unfair to let them “get away” with treating me badly (out of fear), but my reacting in love broke down walls and invited healing in. i am so grateful i was given the opportunity to live through that! now i see that jesus-type love is an action word. not a feeling.
Holley,
So beautiful your writing. It confirmed something I witnessed the other day, may we all open our hearts to those God has put in our path, /change begins today and it begins with me. Living mercy and compassion in the midst of its absence brings with it the hope of salvation for another.
Blessings
Holley,
I had a conversation with a friend at lunch and she was telling about a couple who had been in her church who had hit a very rough time in their marriage. When it became public, instead of people loving them, they ostracized the couple and many got angry with my friend because she refused to shun them and continued to love them through the reconciliation and healing of their marriage. Then I come home and read your post. Wow!
Someone once told me that Christians are often the first to kill the wounded. How true. We don’t want to extend the same grace and mercy that our Father has given to us. Your words reminded me of the Susan Ashton song from her first album, “Beyond Justice to Mercy”. Powerful words we need to remember.
You are such an inspiration! Especially when you are willing to share with us without makeup, shower, etc. To know, really KNOW, we are loved is such a gift. Love You!
Your article, practical and very kind!
TO REALLY KNOW THAT YOU ARE LOVED BY GOD AND THAT IS OUR MAIN PURPOSE IN LIFE TO SHARE THAT LOVE WITH OUR FELLOW MAN. THANK YOU
Beautiful post, Holley. A great reminder we all need from time to time.
Holley,
Loved the picture and the post! It can be hard to love those in front of you. Sometimes they do and say things that hurt, but we must be the light and forgive them–even if only in our minds or to God. Once we learn to love justice and everyone we come in contact with then and only then can we go out and love the fatherless, homeless, widow!
Great thought provoking post! 🙂
Thank you, sweet friend, for helping us love bravely!!
Holly, your words are always so timely in my world. Thank you for this. It’s so true, changing the world really does start with changing our world, our little world with children and spouses and friends and family. Our community, then spilling out to “their” community. God bless you sweet child of the most high, as you go about your day changing your world.
Janelle