Theme: CHRISTIANITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
Text: “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” – Hebrews 12:6
Comment: True Christians know that love for one’s neighbour transcends just giving of alms. The essence of Christian Fellowship is to serve God, build long lasting, loving relationships based on the fear of God, mutual trust and respect for one another so that one will not be condemned with the world. St Paul said: “For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.” – 1 Corinthians 11:31, 32.
Justice entails firmness but fairness in judgment, so that those who go through the process will come out reformed and better placed to render noble services by God’s grace. Apostle Paul said that much when he stated: “If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” – Hebrews 12:7-11.