“Justice needs a face… For we cannot have true justice unless we remember that each person is made in God’s image.”
Bethany Jenkins
“Justice needs a face… For we cannot have true justice unless we remember that each person is made in God’s image.”
Bethany Jenkins
The importance of advocating for justice
Justice in the Bible is God’s concern for the most vulnerable – those who are widows, orphans, immigrants, and poor.
So justice is not an abstract idea. It is deeply personal.
The Bible consistently points to God hearing the cries of the oppressed, standing with them, and commanding his people to do the same.
Justice is also not just about charity. It extends to restoring dignity, equity, and wholeness in a world broken by sin.
Justice reflects God’s plan to restore all things (Colossians 1:20). That means addressing the root causes of poverty, oppression, and systemic injustice. When Jesus healed the sick, welcomed outcasts, and challenged unjust systems, he showed that salvation is holistic – it restores individuals, communities, and even the structures of society.
We know that we cannot promise restoration in every respect in the present when we offer the gospel, but we do long, in line with God’s love of justice, to make a difference where we can.
Try to reflect on what the biggest barrier to growing in this area is for you.
Ask God to help you overcome that challenge, even as you engage with God’s word now.
History shows that mission work has not always aligned with God’s heart for justice. The Church has, at times, been complicit in colonialism, racial oppression, and economic exploitation, spreading a version of Christianity that justified inequality rather than challenging it.
Today, we are called to a different kind of mission – one that is concerned for justice and empowering the marginalised.
We heed the words of Zechariah to...
'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’ (Zechariah 7:9-10)
Do we recognise injustice around us?
Do we take time to listen and learn from those who suffer?
Are we able to be actively involved in addressing systemic and personal injustices?
Could we encourage our churches to take a stand?
Fruitful mission is an opportunity to make the love of Christ visible – not just in words, but in action.
So practically what does all this mean? What steps can I take to make progress?
See and listen
Learn about the injustices affecting your local community. Start by reading stories, listening to testimonies, or engaging with organisations working on issues like homelessness, immigration, or racial justice. Seek to understand rather than assume. One way to do this is to listen to those affected, rather than just forming opinions from a distance. Some of these people might even be members of your own church family – how could you get to know their stories?
Make small, practical changes
Begin with everyday actions. Could you support a local business owned by people from under-represented backgrounds, donate to a food bank, or volunteer for a local initiative? Reflect on where we might jump to conclusions too quickly in terms of what we should or should not do.
Encourage your church to act
Inspire your church or small group to engage in justice efforts, whether through partnerships, advocacy, or practical outreach. Encourage church leaders to engage with marginalised voices and create spaces where justice is taught and lived out.
Sustain the work through prayer and community
Justice work is exhausting. Stay rooted in God’s presence through prayer, lament, Scripture, and worship. Build relationships with like-minded believers who can support and encourage you in the long haul.
Justice is not an optional part of Christian discipleship – it is at the very heart of God’s character. As we follow Jesus, we are called to make justice visible in our relationships, churches, and communities. May we be a people who not only proclaim the good news of Jesus, but live it out in ways that restore dignity, equity, and belonging for all.
Here are some Bible verses that you might turn to, as you think about advocating for justice:
Here are some London City Mission resources that explore the theme of advocacy more:
There is a church on a barge that is supporting marginalised and vulnerable women with the help of missionary, Selam Abraha.
LCM Missionary Luke Carson shares from his experience of showing genuine, sustainable, Christ-like care for people overlooked by others.
Hear how a visit to a prison has led to inmates declaring to follow Jesus!
LCM shares the gospel alongside the local church of London, equipping everyday Christians to lovingly bring a message of hope in Christ to those least likely to hear it.
Registered Charity No. 247186
