The variety of ways in which justice can be subverted are uncountable. We’re brought to tears or angered into action.

Or, heaven forbid, we become numb about injustice to others. “How can I care about everything?” some ask. “They’re too far away. They’re too different from me. I don’t have time to care.”

Oh, but God has time and room to care for those He created in His image, those He created to flourish. And if we but ask, He will release compassion in us. He will free us to lament over what is so not how He ordained the world to work. He will lead us step by step into how He wants us to respond.

After all, He has told us that defending the cause of the poor and needy is what it means to know Him (Jeremiah 22:11-16). And it’s our opportunity to live out on earth now what God says will be true of the new heaven and new earth: “[God] will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

May God grant us His response to injustice. May we be part of His grand plan, that others around us might flourish.