So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
— Genesis 1:27 NKJV

Our desire for justice reflects the image of our Creator.

What is it about injustice—about seeing one person prosper at the expense of another or seeing certain people denied rights that are enjoyed by others—that strikes such a universal chord in the human heart? Chalk it up to our internal wiring.

In the creation story of Genesis, we find a remarkable statement: “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (1:27).

The human race bears the likeness of the Creator. We possess, in finite form, many of his qualities. His priorities are wound into our DNA. Nowhere is this more evident than in our desire for justice.

Proverbs 11:1 says, “The LORD detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him.” In Old Testament times, most commerce relied on weights and measures. People paid or traded goods based on volume or weight. Unscrupulous merchants found ways to rig their scales in order to extract more money from people, much to the Lord’s displeasure.

God detests—that is, he hates—any system that is rigged or unfairly designed to favor one group over another, whether it’s found in business, politics, the law or society in general. The existence of such systems offends his just nature.

“For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing” (Isaiah 61:8). “Wrongdoing” includes any form of injustice, including personal bias and discrimination. Those are the things that trigger God’s hatred—and should trigger ours.

When injustice stirs up feelings of righteous anger in us—when we’re driven to action by the sight of someone being excluded or singled out unfairly or by stories of institutional bias or the abuse of power—we are owning and embracing God’s likeness in our lives.

Prayer: Lord God, You have made all the peoples of the earth for Your Glory, to serve You in freedom and peace. Give to the leaders and people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with Your gracious Will. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen!

What injustice in the world causes you anger? How might God’s justice have inspired you to evaluate your own attitudes and actions toward others? Join the conversation below!