Can Christians Forgive and Still Ask forJustice? - September, 2024

Is it possible to forgive someone and still ask God for justice? Many Christians struggle with this question, wondering if seeking justice contradicts the act of forgiveness.

Pastor Poju Oyemade, Senior Pastor and Founder’s recent Facebook post sheds light on this important topic by highlighting the difference between forgiving people and asking God to judge the matter at hand.

Understanding Forgiveness vs. Judgement
It is scripturally correct to ask God to forgive people for what they have done and still ask Him to judge the situation. Forgiveness and judgment are two different concepts that deal with distinct aspects. Forgiveness deals with people, extending grace and mercy to them, while judgment deals with the matter itself—evaluating the actions and bringing justice.
Take a look at Psalm 99:8:
“O Lord our God, You answered them; You were to Israel a forgiving God, though You punished their misdeeds.”
This verse shows that God can forgive people while still addressing the consequences of their actions. God extends mercy and forgives, but He is also a God of justice who deals with wrongdoing.

The Story of Joseph and His Brothers
A great example of this can be seen in the story of Joseph and his brothers in the book of Genesis. Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery out of jealousy and hatred, causing him years of suffering. However, God had a plan for Joseph’s life, and what his brothers meant for evil, God used for good (Genesis 50:20).
Joseph eventually forgave his brothers and reconciled with them, but God still dealt with the matter of their wrongdoing. Their actions were judged by God, and in the end, they were brought face-to-face with the reality of their sin. Yet, this same judgment led to the fulfillment of God’s prophetic destiny for Joseph. It showed that while forgiveness releases people from personal vengeance, it does not negate the justice that God will carry out.

Forgiveness: A Command for Believers
Jesus teaches us to forgive others as we have been forgiven. In Matthew 6:14-15, He says:
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Forgiveness is essential for our spiritual growth and is an act of obedience to God. It frees us from the burden of bitterness, resentment, and anger. Forgiving others does not mean that we approve of their actions or that we are denying justice. Instead, we are entrusting the matter to God, who sees all and knows all.

Justice: Entrusting Matters to God
While forgiveness deals with our relationship with people, seeking justice deals with our relationship with God. God is just, and He is concerned with righteousness. It is entirely appropriate to ask God to judge a matter, especially when it involves wrongdoing, injustice, or oppression. By doing this, we are acknowledging that God is the ultimate Judge who sees beyond our limited understanding and will handle the situation according to His perfect will.
In Romans 12:19, Paul writes:
“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
This verse encourages us to release our desire for personal revenge and trust God to bring about His perfect justice. We forgive others to obey God and to be free from bitterness, but we also pray for His justice to be done, trusting that He will make things right in His way and in His time.

Why Forgiveness and Justice Work Together
Forgiveness and justice are not mutually exclusive; they work together to reveal God’s character. God forgives because of His mercy, and He judges because of His righteousness. As Christians, we are called to reflect His nature by forgiving others while still trusting Him to judge fairly.
When we forgive, we are freed from the bondage of holding onto offenses. When we seek God’s justice, we release the situation into His capable hands, knowing that He will handle it far better than we ever could. This is how God can turn situations meant for evil into opportunities for growth, healing, and even fulfillment of His purposes, just like He did for Joseph.

Get Deliberate:

Trust God with Both Forgiveness and Justice
It is natural to feel conflicted when dealing with hurt and injustice, but remember that you can both forgive and ask God for justice. Forgiveness sets you free, while God’s judgment sets things right.
So, when you are faced with the challenge of forgiving others, remember that it does not mean excusing their actions or denying the need for justice. Instead, forgive as God commands, and trust Him to handle the matter according to His perfect wisdom and righteousness. He is both a God who forgives and a God who judges fairly.

Reflection and Prayer
Lord, help me to forgive those who have hurt me while trusting You to bring justice. Give me the strength to release my desire for vengeance and rely on Your perfect wisdom and righteousness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Are you from Nigeria, Ghana, USA, UK, Canada etc? This "Can Christians Forgive and Still Ask forJustice?" will help you learn, grow, and become a deliberate Christian before God.