When a particular judge was assigned to a potentially volatile trial involving racial issues, many lawyers praised the choice. "He's fair—very fair—and he's just," said one. "He cares about people—victims and defendants," said another. Many others also spoke highly of his qualifications as a fair judge.

Such praise should be common, not the exception, for we expect justice from a judge. But God, the Judge of the universe, requires fairness from all of us and wants us to plead for justice for the oppressed. Israel's failure to do this accounted in part for the nation's downfall (Isaiah 59:9-15).

Today in many countries, more people are living in cities than ever before. And deep within those densely populated areas are conditions that breed anger, hopelessness, and despair. Landlords charge high rent for rundown apartments. Double standards of justice prevail for different races and nationalities. Unfair hiring and housing practices are common. And many other inequalities lead to new injustices.

As Christians, we must be among the first to work for justice in every area of society, not primarily for ourselves but for others. And we must banish prejudice and unfair attitudes from the inner citadel of our hearts.  — Dennis J. De Haan