Hey Bestie,
Let’s talk about something real: social justice. It's a term that's been thrown around a lot lately, but what does it mean for us as young Christians? Is it something we should care about? How do we navigate the tension between our faith and social justice? And how can we make a difference while staying true to our beliefs?
Let’s dive in.
Social Justice: A Biblical Foundation
First of all, let’s clear something up… Social justice isn’t a “new trend” or something the world came up with. It’s deeply rooted in the Bible. From the Old Testament prophets to the teachings of Jesus, God has always called us to care for the marginalized, stand up for the oppressed, and seek justice for those who can't fight for themselves.
So, when people say, "Just preach the gospel, not politics," remind them that social justice is LITERALLY a Gospel issue!!! Jesus Himself came to earth to bring freedom, healing, and restoration, how could we ignore the call to do the same in today’s world? Not being funny, but like who are you to air all things that bring injustice?
Wake up… TODAY! The Bible is full of verses that encourage us to fight for justice.
- Micah 6:8 – "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
- Proverbs 31:8-9 – "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."
- Isaiah 1:17 – "Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow."
So, as Christians, standing for justice isn’t optional. Bro, ask yourself, who am I to choose to be neutral? Show me where in the bible it said “Oh, I just choose to be neutral” or “Oh, I don’t vote because it doesn’t bother me”?? Being involved in social justice business and issues is directly woven into the fabric of our faith.
Why Should We Care About Social Justice?
Okay, so we know God is all about justice, but what does that mean for us today? Here’s why social justice matters:
- It’s Our Calling: As believers, we’re called to be the hands and feet of Jesus on earth. And just like Jesus, we are called to care for the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalised.
- It’s About Loving Our Neighbour: One of the greatest commandments is to love our neighbours as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). But how can we truly love others if we ignore their struggles or turn a blind eye to injustice? Engaging in social justice movements is a tangible way to love our neighbours.
- It’s About Building God’s Kingdom: Social justice is about bringing God's justice and mercy into the world. It’s about creating a world that reflects His heart—a world where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and love. Sounds pretty epic, right?
- It’s About Amplifying Voices: Some of us are in a position where we have a voice. We can use that voice to speak up for those who are often ignored or unheard, just like Jesus did.
How Can Young Christians Engage in Social Justice Movements?
You might be wondering, “Okay, I’m down to make a change, but where do I start?”
Here are some ways you can get involved while staying true to your faith:
1. Educate Yourself: Before jumping into a movement, it’s important to educate yourself on the issues. Research different social justice causes, read books, listen to podcasts, and get to know the people you’re standing with. Understanding the problem is the first step in being part of the solution. Tip: It’s always helpful to get informed so you don’t accidentally step into something you’re not fully ready to support. Don’t just trust headlines; dig deeper.
2. Volunteer: There are countless organizations fighting for justice—whether it's ending homelessness, fighting racial injustice, or advocating for women's rights. Find a cause you’re passionate about and volunteer. It could be helping at a food bank, serving at a shelter, or organizing a charity event. And hey, volunteering is a great way to make a real impact, while meeting awesome like-minded people who share your heart for justice.
3. Advocate for Change: Use your voice! Share your perspective on social media, write to your elected officials, and support policies that advocate for social justice. Voting is also an important way to stand up for the issues that matter to you and your community. Whether it’s signing a petition, attending a protest, or sharing educational content online, never underestimate how powerful your voice can be.
4. Pray and Reflect: It can be easy to get caught up in all the noise, but as Christians, we’re called to approach social justice with prayer. Pray for wisdom, for the strength to persevere, and for God to lead you in your efforts. Sometimes the most radical thing you can do is pray. Ask God to guide your steps and show you the areas where He’s calling you to make a difference.
5. Partner with Others: Collaboration is key. Team up with like-minded people, whether from church or outside, to support the cause. Being part of a movement can amplify your impact. Two heads are better than one! You’ll learn from each other and build a stronger community to support the cause.
6. Use Your Platform: If you’re on social media, use it for good. Share educational content, raise awareness, and create space for open, loving conversations. Don’t just share memes, share messages of hope and action. Your followers are watching! You might not know it, but your words and actions can influence others in ways you don’t expect. Let’s make it count.
7. Live with Integrity: Live out the values of justice in your everyday life. Treat everyone with respect, speak up when you see injustice, and be an advocate for change even when it's uncomfortable. You might not be able to change the world overnight, but the small things add up. Living with integrity means staying true to your values, no matter where you are.
Some Social Justice Movements You Can Support
- Conflict Appeals: UNICEF Crisis Appeal, with the United Nations to donate funds allowing for people to receive water, treatment, vaccines and more.
- Climate Change Action: Taking care of the planet is a matter of social justice. Advocate for policies that protect the earth and those most affected by environmental changes.
- Refugee Rights: Stand up for the rights of refugees and immigrants, advocating for fair treatment and safety.
- Gender Equality: Fight for equal rights for women and non-binary people, pushing for equal pay, access to education, and the end of gender-based violence.
- Racial Equality: Fight for equal opportunities and positive discrimination towards Black, Asian, and Hispanic communities across the UK who are unfairly discriminated against.
Bible Verses to Inspire Your Social Justice Journey
- Matthew 25:40 – "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'"
- Luke 4:18-19 – "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free."
- James 2:14-17 – "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?"
How to Get Involved in Social Justice as a Young Christian though?
Now that we know the movements we can get behind, it’s time to talk about how we can personally engage in social justice:
- Volunteer: Whether it’s at a local food bank, homeless shelter, or refugee support charity, there’s always a need for hands-on help.
- Educate Yourself: It’s important to understand the issues at hand. Read books, attend webinars, and learn from the experiences of those directly affected.
- Support Social Justice Organisations: Many of these movements and organisations rely on donations to fund their work. Find one that resonates with you and consider donating, whether it’s your time or money.
- Advocate on social media: Use your voice to share posts, educate your followers, and raise awareness about important issues. Social media is a powerful tool for social change.
My Final Thoughts
Social justice isn’t just a trend; it’s a reflection of God’s heart for the world. As Christians, we have a unique opportunity to be a force for change, bringing God’s love and justice into the world. So, whether you're passionate about racial equality, poverty relief, or climate justice, remember that your faith and your activism can go together.
We’re called to do more than just talk about justice. we’re called to live as an example to others. And when we do that, we honour God in the most powerful way possible.
So, get out there, get involved, and let’s make this world a better place, together.
With love and action,
Shola Jones xoxo
