Let’s face it: life is not fair. Sometimes it is unfair to our disadvantage, but at other times, it is unfair to our advantage. It is interesting how we are prone to cry foul when life is unfair to our disadvantage but are more than glad to accept and rejoice when it is unfair to our benefit. This inconsistency highlights the human tendency to be self-centered and myopic rather than God-focused and biblically wise. Scripture reminds us that we are all undeserving of God’s goodness, for “There is no one righteous, not even one… for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:10, 23). If God dealt with us strictly based on fairness, we would face His righteous judgment and eternal separation from Him.
Growing Christians know God is gracious and does not treat us as we deserve. Ezra declared, “God has punished us less than our sins deserve” (Ezra 9:13b). Similarly, David wrote, “The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness. He will not always accuse us, nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities” (Psa 103:8-10). In this psalm, David portrays a heavenly courtroom where God, as Judge, possesses sufficient evidence to accuse and condemn us. Yet, God is also our Father, and because Jesus died for our sins (Rom 5:8; 1 Pet 3:18), His forgiveness and grace abound (Rom 5:20). God treats us far better than we deserve because our punishment was borne by Christ, who paid the penalty for our sins (Isa 53:4-6), and now we experience “the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Eph 2:7).
As Christians, our perspective must transcend human notions of fairness and focus on God’s sovereign grace and favor. God’s grace, by definition, is unmerited favor—something we receive not because of fairness, but because of His love and mercy (Eph 2:8-9). Our focus should not be on fairness but on gratitude for God’s grace. When tempted to cry foul over perceived injustices, we should instead reflect on the infinite grace we have received through Christ. Furthermore, when life’s unfairness works to our advantage, humility and gratitude should compel us to thank God and be gracious to others.
Ultimately, our focus should rest on God’s grace and purposes rather than temporal fairness. His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts higher than our thoughts (Isa 55:8-9), and we trust that His actions are always based on perfect wisdom. By keeping our eyes on His grace, we are reminded of the immeasurable blessings we have received, which far outweigh the injustices of life. In all circumstances, we can trust that God is just, merciful, and working all things together for good for those who love Him (Rom 8:28). In everything, we know that “God’s work is perfect, for all His ways are just; a God of faithfulness and without injustice, righteous and upright is He” (Deut 32:4).
Our Response to Unfairness
When treated unfairly, we should strive to respond in a way that reflects spiritual maturity and obedience to God’s Word. We must control our emotions, avoid reacting in anger or frustration, and instead rely on the Holy Spirit for self-control (Jam 1:19–20; Gal 5:22–23). We should respond with grace, speaking the truth in love while refraining from retaliation or vindictiveness, choosing instead to bless those who mistreat us (Eph 4:15; Rom 12:14). We should forgive quickly, even if the offender does not seek forgiveness, as forgiveness frees us from bitterness and allows us to maintain fellowship with God (Eph 4:32).
In every situation, we should turn to God in prayer, seeking His wisdom and strength to respond appropriately (Jam 1:5), and trust in His sovereignty, knowing that He will bring justice in His perfect timing (Rom 12:19). We are called to be “kindhearted and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead” (1 Pet 3:8b–9a). Jesus serves as our ultimate example: “While being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously” (1 Pet 2:23). We are told, “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Rom 12:19). God has said, “If you do all that I say, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries” (Ex 23:22). Furthermore, “it is just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to give relief to you who are afflicted” (2 Th 1:6b-7a). God is both a defender and a dispenser of justice.
If the situation requires action, we can address the injustice respectfully and seek resolution through proper channels, as Paul did when he appealed to his rights as a Roman citizen (Acts 22:25). Above all, we must leave the outcome in God’s hands, knowing that “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom 8:28). Our goal is to demonstrate faith in God’s sovereignty and a commitment to living out His Word, knowing that such a response pleases the Lord and serves as a testimony to others.
Dr. Steven R. Cook
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