Justice in building peace

Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.

Isaiah 1:17 (NLT)

Forgiveness and justice are often misunderstood as opposites. Many assume that forgiving someone means ignoring their wrongdoing or excusing them from consequences. Yet the Bible shows us a different picture: forgiveness and justice are not enemies, they are partners in building peace.

In Melbourne, Pastor Ian Wilkinson demonstrated this truth when he forgave Erin Patterson after losing his wife and in-laws to the mushroom poisoning tragedy. He offered forgiveness from his heart, yet also accepted that prison was an appropriate consequence. Forgiveness can help free us from bitterness, while justice acknowledges the gravity of wrong and upheld dignity for us and the wider community.

God’s justice is woven into His character. 

“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne. Unfailing love and truth walk before you as attendants”.

Psalm 89:14, NLT

God does not abandon justice when He forgives. We see this perfectly illustrated with Jesus’ death on the cross. Jesus bore our punishment and satisfied his own justice so that mercy could flow freely.

On earth, justice is also part of God’s design. Paul reminds us that governing authorities “are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong” (Romans 13:4, NLT). Earthly justice provides accountability, protects the vulnerable, and sets boundaries so that peace can flourish.

As peacemakers, we are called to forgive, releasing hatred from our hearts, while also valuing justice as part of God’s plan. Forgiveness without justice can feel hollow, but justice without forgiveness easily becomes vengeance. Together, they open the way for peace.