Justin March leads the Bethany Lutheran Church Men’s Ministry and sends a weekly email message to the Men’s group every week.  Justin has generously permitted us to post his weekly reflections here.

How do we react when
we see injustice in our world? As I see the damages incurred by our local
businesses, this question barrages my every thought. As I witness the violence
we bestow upon each other, I wonder what drives us to hurt. And as I listen to
the racial slurs, hate filled comments, and disregard for one another, I am
saddened by what this downtrodden society has succumbed to.

How do we react when
we see injustice in our world? Maybe we need to look back and see how Jesus
reacted. Maybe we need to focus on how God used his son to get through the
trials bestowed upon him when he walked this Earth. And maybe we need to
understand why Jesus was able to turn the other cheek, forgive those that
betrayed him, and love his enemies.

How do we react when
we see injustice in our world? The violence, hatred, and brutality we face
today is not something new. But how we react in these trying times can either
allow the ugliness to continue or can start a revolution of change that will
make this planet a better place for all. I believe it comes down to choice, and
if we make the right decisions now, we can lay the foundation for a brighter future.

How do we react when
we see injustice in our world? We need to react with love. We need to be
empathetic with those that have been wronged, we need to forgive those that
have caused harm, and we need to educate those that do not understand. We must
extend grace, we must lend a helping hand, and we must do our best to end the
violence, hatred, and bloodshed. We have the power to end injustice, but fear,
media, and lack of leadership keep us from doing so.

How do we react when
we see injustice in our world? We react by being the disciples Jesus has asked
us to be. We start by taking the time to open our bibles, share God’s words
with those that need to hear them, and teach others about the forgiveness Jesus
showed to those that wronged him. We start by praying for help, asking for
wisdom, and allowing our gifts to heal those around us. And we start by loving
one another, treating them as equals, and peacefully standing up with them.

How do we react when
we see injustice in our world? We have the freedom to react in any manner we
wish. We have the freedom to lash out, hurt others, and destroy what is not
ours. We have the freedom to say whatever we want, no matter how positive or
negative it may be. But if allow Jesus to lead our lives, if we do what he asks
of us, and if we try to love like he does, we can only react in one way. We
will react with respect for one another, we will react as a united front for
justice, and we will react as a peaceful nation that prioritizes healing and
grace over violence and bloodshed.

So, as you feel the
anger, depression, or sadness take over when you see these acts of injustice,
remember to ask yourself this simple question. How will you react when you see
injustice in our world?