Weekly devotion: Social justice is not an optional extra

World Day of Social Justice

‘Armoured Dove’ - graffiti art on the West Bank Wall used to separate Palestine and Israel.

The UN World Day of Social Justice happens every year on 20 February. We are marking it this week by setting aside time to pray for peace and justice across the Middle East.

The picture is bleak in many places where Embrace’s partners work. The war in Gaza continues to rage, with the death toll nearing 30,000. Over 12 million Syrians have been forcibly displaced in the region over the past 13 years. Lebanon and Egypt are enduring severe economic crises. Fears are growing about a wider regional conflict in the Middle East.

Yet against a backdrop of humanitarian disasters, violence, and economic turmoil, our partners are working to transform the lives and restore the dignity of some of the most excluded and marginalised communities in the Middle East. We pray that our partners’ compassion and commitment would serve as a serve of inspiration and hope, and that those of all faiths and backgrounds would recognise the equal humanity of their neighbours.

Bible verses

‘He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.’ Deuteronomy 10:18

‘Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.’ Psalm 89:14

‘Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.’ Isaiah 1:17

‘Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.’ Proverbs 31:8-9

Thought

These verses remind us that justice is central to the character of God. They also issue a stark mandate: if we are serious about living out our faith, and putting into practice what we believe, then we also must seek justice for the oppressed. Social justice is not an optional extra; it is a fundamental component of Christianity. In seeking to reflect God’s moral character and love their neighbour, followers of Jesus through the ages have been at the forefront of positive social change.

Ask yourself: Spend some time meditating on the Bible verses above. In what ways can you strive for peace with justice?

Prayer

Lord Jesus,

You say in your word that whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine you did for me. We thank you for all of Embrace’s partners in the Middle East – thank you that you are using them as your hands and feet in the midst of deeply challenging situations. Help us to be faithful in supporting their work through prayer.

Enable us to examine our hearts and grow our desire for a more just and peaceful world. Help us to be doers of the word and not hearers only.

In Your name, Amen.

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