Theologian Paul Tillich said, “Justice is love distributed.” How do you understand this statement, and do you think it is theologically defensible? Is it relevant for our current times?
By Nicola Kamwa, Canon Slade School
Love and Justice are intertwined concepts that hold different meanings but intersect in significant ways.
Love
Love is sacrificial, giving first and expecting nothing in return. It gives believers peace that surpasses all understanding, which comes only from Christ. Love can also refer to the love of God or Christ for humankind, and the love of Christians for all. It is an unselfish love from one person to another without any sexual implications. This is evident in the commandment “Love your neighbour as yourself” from Mathew 22:39 in the Bible. It emphasizes the importance of treating others with dignity and respect that we would want to be treated with ourselves. It is the second greatest commandment after loving God with our mind, soul, and heart. It is a way of loving others as God loves us. In personal contexts, love motivates us to care for our family, friends, and community. It is a foundational value that fosters compassion, attachment, and positive feelings.
Justice
Justice is the equitable, impartial application of the rule of God’s moral law in society. It protects individual liberty while promoting personal responsibility. The Bible condemns injustice because God is just. Justice in the Bible is loving, merciful, gracious, generous, and restorative. Justice to God means recognizing and trusting that God is the ultimate judge of what is right and what is wrong, and that he acts fair and with mercy. Justice is a central attribute of God’s character and his purpose for human conduct. Only God can rectify the injustices of the world by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. This is evident in the quote “When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers” from Proverbs 21:15 in the Bible. It highlights the importance of justice and its impact on society. Justice is a principle that provides equality and fairness for all. When justice is given, it brings joy to those who have been wronged and instils fear in those who have committed a crime. Justice aims to create a fair and equitable society.
Justice and love intersected
Love and justice intersect when we consider the role of love in social and political relations. Love can motivate citizens to contribute positively towards their country. While justice is impersonal, love is deeply personal. Finding a balance between these two values is essential for a harmonious society. This is evident in the quote “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.” from Psalm 84:14. It is a statement of praise to God, recognizing that his throne is built on the foundation of Justice and righteousness. The words “Steadfast love and faithfulness go before you” are a way of saying that God’s love and faithfulness are always present and precede His actions. This verse is a reminder that God is just and loving, and that His actions are always guided by these principles. Love and justice are two fundamental concepts in a healthy society. Love is considered a driving force for social justice. It is not just an abstract feeling, but a set of ethics, principles, values and behaviours that can be put into action. Love can be a powerful tool to bring people together and create a sense of community. It can help us to empathize with others and understand their struggles. Justice, on the other hand, is about fairness and equality. It is the principle that everyone should be treated equally and have the same opportunities. Today, love and justice are more important than ever. We need to stand up for what is right and fight against injustice and inequality. As Bell Hooks said, “A love that is justice in action can help us to build a better world”.
In conclusion, love and justice are not mutually exclusive; they can coexist and complement each other. Love can inspire just actions, and justice can provide a structure for a fair and benevolent society.