Our scripture this week is Luke 18:1-8.
4 “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’”
Luke 18:4-5
In the Parable of the Unjust Judge, we hear that a widow is persistent in her quest for justice in her case, but the uncaring judge keeps putting her off. Eventually he relents, as he states in verse 5, not because it is the right thing to do but to protect himself. This is not the way the system is supposed to work!
Jesus teaches us to do what God asks not out of fear or to avoid punishment, but because we love Him and it is the right thing to do. While the unjust judge may indeed resolve the widow’s case in her favor, true justice will only be served if he reviews the facts of the case and rules accordingly. Whenever we act from a selfish motive, we are not doing the Lord’s work.
God wants us to do the right thing because we choose to obey, not under threat or for personal gain. Right actions for the wrong reasons are no better for our relationship with God than wrong actions. God calls us to use the gift of intelligence He gave us to weigh the facts and take action based on love and mercy.
Dear Lord, help us to do right, in accordance with Your will. May we act out of love for You and each other. Amen.