Joyful Displays of Justice

Joyful Displays of Justice

Something that has been on my mind a lot lately is the idea of justice. What does justice look like to different people? How do we incorporate the idea of justice and charity? Is there a difference?

I like to see the good in all people. I think the world is full of beautiful people with even more beautiful hearts. While I know there are exceptions to this, I cling to this hope of goodness in all people.

When giving back to people in my community I, like most people, am filled with compassion for those that I am serving. However, I have realized something lately that is an important thing to consider when doing work like this. It is important to consider that instead of giving in the name of charity, give in the name of justice.

Justice looks different for most people, but the main foundation of this ideal is acting justly and treating others in a humane and right way. So, instead of having compassion and giving in the name of charity, it is better to give in the name of justice. To treat those you are serving as humans, as equals, and as friends.

Let these thoughts and words stick with you over this holiday season, and continuously remind yourself to treat others justly and to see the good in those around you. The poem I have included is entitled, “Opportunity”.

the beauty in a moment can be taken just as fast

if you do not seize your opportunity, the option will not last

seeing and knowing could never do me justice

the mysterious vision within me would never lose its focus

so, know exactly what you want, or this will surely pass you by

if you do not want, what you can barely have, your loss won’t make me cry.