Practicing Social Justice

Stop bringing me your meaningless gifts; the incense of your offerings disgusts me! As for your celebrations of the new moon and the Sabbath and your special days for fasting— they are all sinful and false. I want no more of your pious meetings. I hate your new moon celebrations and your annual festivals. They are a burden to me. I cannot stand them! When you lift up your hands in prayer, I will not look. Though you offer many prayers, I will not listen, for your hands are covered with the blood of innocent victims. Wash yourselves and be clean!
Get your sins out of my sight. Give up your evil ways. Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows. --Isaiah 1:13-17

We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God's love be in that person? Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.

–1 John 3:16-18

The Trinity Institute for Leadership and Social Justice took charge of the Chapel service Wednesday morning. Two of the Trinity Institute members, seniors Tara Balla and Megan Malkemes, addressed their teachers and peers, speaking out about their passion for social justice.

Tara said she has long been bothered by social injustices; however, she said she couldn't have a heart for social justice without her relationship to Christ – no one can. "Biblical justice is rooted in mercy," she said. It is God's desire to restore people. She continued, saying that seeking justice for the marginalized and oppressed is how we show our love for and relationship to God.  It is how we live out our faith. "Think about the connection between faith and justice in your life," she challenged. "Do you separate the two?"

Megan then spoke about practicing what we preach. "There are three steps to acting justly," Megan said. "Seek Shalom, share your power, and build a relationship with Christ." Shalom, Megan explained, is not just peace in the way we think of it, but it is peace in the world as God intended it in the Garden of Eden. We are all made in God's image. "Social justice is not a footnote in God's definition of love. We all have ways to use what we have for good. Donate your wealth, spend time, use what authority you have to help others."

Quoting 1 John 3:16 (above), Megan concluded, " 'This is how we know....' We do not define it. Social justice cannot be separated from Christ. It is counter-intuitive to our sinful nature. Christ is the one who sustains. If we act out of our own strength we will burn out. Keep Christ at the center."