Unfairness Points Me toward Jesus

In Psalm 34:17 it says,  “The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.” (NLT)

God pays attention to those who call on him. Whether He offers escape or help in times of trouble, I can be certain that he always hears and acts on my behalf.

I was born with a selfish nature. It’s usually all about me. Left to my own device, I’ll oppress others, hoard, and generally think about myself much more than anyone else. I’ll be treated unfairly at times. However I too treat people unfairly from time to time as well..

My inclination to treat others unfairly doesn’t surprise God. In fact, it shows why we need Jesus.

The reality is, without God in the situation, people treat each other inhumanely and that’s the heart of injustice and unfairness in the world,, from despotic dictators to crushing poverty to racial tension in our communities.

One day God will judge every person on the planet for the injustices they commit against each other. Because God is just, there must be consequences for how we treat others.

This means I need mercy. All have been unfair with others from time to time. We’re not just the victims of injustice. We’re perpetrators, too.

This unfairness shows us we need Jesus. God wouldn’t have needed to send his Son to die on the cross if people were generally good. The vast injustices in our world make it clear that humans can’t live moral lives on their own.

Next time I’m treated unfairly, let it be a reminder: Everyone, including myself needs Jesus.

In summary, The LORD hears when I call to him for help. He will rescue me from my troubles. God pays attention to those who call on him. I can be certain that he always hears and acts on my behalf. Unfortunately, all are born with a selfish nature, and I’ll be treated unfairly at times. However I also treat people unfairly. My inclination to treat others unfairly doesn’t surprise God. In fact, it shows why we all need Jesus. Without God in the situation, people treat each other inhumanely and that’s the heart of injustice and unfairness in the world, One day God will judge every person on the planet for the injustices they commit against each other. Because God is just, there must be consequences for how we treat others. This means I will require mercy. I’m not just the victim of injustice, I’m a perpetrator, as well. This unfairness shows me that I need Jesus. God wouldn’t have needed to send his Son to die on the cross if people and myself were generally good. The vast injustices in our world make it clear that we can’t live moral lives on their own. So the next time I’m treated unfairly, let it be a reminder: Everyone, including myself needs Jesus.

Father, human nature is one of selfishness. This selfishness causes unfairness and injustices to occur. I’m not being singled out when it occurs to me. You have promised to rescue me when I look to you. You do use all things for my benefit. I pray with the Holy Spirit's help that I recognize when I am being treated poorly it's a reminder of how much we all need Jesus. I ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, and my leadership. I pray these things in your Son Jesus’ name, Amen.