“Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” — Amos 5:24 (NRSV)
Justice Requires Participation
The prophet Amos spoke to a society that believed religious observance was enough. God’s response through the prophet was clear: worship without justice is empty.
Today, movements for racial justice around the world continue to challenge systems that exclude or marginalize people because of their race or ethnicity. From calls for equitable policing to advocacy for fair treatment of migrants and refugees, communities are demanding that justice be more than words.
Faith communities have a vital role to play. When the church speaks clearly about human dignity and equality, it becomes a witness to God’s vision for the world – a world where justice flows freely and all people can flourish.
The church is called to be a place where truth can be spoken and heard. When we listen with humility, we begin to understand how God is calling us to participate in healing and reconciliation.
Prayer
God of righteousness,
Stir our hearts when we see injustice.
Give us courage to speak truth and wisdom to seek peace.
May our lives bear witness to the justice you desire for all people.
Amen.
About This Series
Each post in this week-long series is part of Bethel Church of the Nazarene’s reflection during the United Nations’ Week of Solidarity with the Peoples Struggling against Racism and Racial Discrimination (March 21–27, annually). Observed around the world, this week invites communities to remember the harms caused by racism, stand in solidarity with those who experience discrimination, and recommit ourselves to justice and dignity for all people.
Through scripture, prayer, and reflection, we seek to listen, learn, and respond faithfully to God’s call to love our neighbors and work toward a more just and compassionate world. Previous posts have included:
