Love-Driven Justice
In the same way that love and hate aren’t simply emotions – they’re also actions – justice is more than just an idea. It’s a way of living; a choice to see people the way God sees them: imperfect, vulnerable, and deeply loved by their creator.
When Jesus said, “The poor you will always have with you,” (Matthew 26:11) he wasn’t suggesting that his followers should just resign themselves to the world as it is. Jesus was reminding every person who chooses to follow him that the work of justice (God’s will) is constant and always with us.
As you seek to discover what God’s will looks like in your life, here are some great ways to “do justly” (Micah 6:8):
- Study the Biblical importance of Justice and Mercy.
- Support an organization that fights for racial justice locally or globally.
- Learn more about the topic of racism, supremacy, and systemic oppression. We recommend “The Love Required of Us” by Liz Cornell.
- Support a minority-owned business in your community.
- Pray that the arc of the moral universe continues to bend toward justice in our nation and around the world.
- Perform a random act of kindness… today!
Taking on the
Mantle of Justice
Remembering the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Free Methodist Church leaders Rev. E. Kenneth Martin and Rev. Dr. Fraser Venter met together to discuss the “Mantle of Justice” – the idea that when we follow Christ, he covers us with his love for all people. They look at the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and how his commitment to loving both the body and soul impacts their own work today in the field of Love-Driven Justice.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy
Ways to Celebrate MLK Day
- Learn more about the person and impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s work. (See the reading list below for more links)
- Ask older family members or friends about their remembrance of Dr. King. Teach younger children the values of why we celebrate this day.
- Do something creative: write, paint, dance, photos, or make music that promotes Love over Hate and Indifference.
- Make a plan to visit the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History, Legacy Museum or a virtual tour of the National Civil Rights Museum.
- Watch a video about Dr. King’s life.
- Be intentional about celebrating with one another.
Read More about Dr. King
Books
- Behind the Public Veil: The Humanness of Martin Luther King Jr.
- The Autobiography Of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Clayborne Carson (Editor)
- Strength To Love by Martin Luther King Jr.
- Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story by Martin Luther King Jr.
- Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos Or Community? by Martin Luther King Jr.
- Behind The Dream: The Making Of The Speech That Transformed A Nation by Clarence B. Jones And Stuart Connelly
- Why We Can’t Wait by Martin Luther King Jr.