Fairness

<<equality, even-handedness>>

We are surrounded by the evidence that life is not fair – we live in a world occupied by sinful selfish people that are biased to act in ways that advantage them, with little thought for others. Consequently, especially those in positions of power treat other people are unfairly. Jesus taught us to love our neighbour as ourselves, doing to them as we would like them to do to us (Mk 12:31; Lk 6:31). Whatever our circumstance we can always choose to treat others fairly, without prejudice, bias or injustice. As Christians, the application of Biblical truth, purely motivated reason and wholesome justice should govern our interaction with others (Lev 19:36; Deut 25:15; Prov 21:3; Isa 56:1). While acknowledging life is not necessarily fair in this world, we must be committed to do what is right and God honouring with a belief one day God will make all things right (Mic 6:8). Will not the judge of the world do right, for all His ways are just and right in His dealings with humanity and does not show favouritism (Gen 18:25; Deut 32:4; Act 10:34; Rev 15:3, 16:7).

He doesn’t want anyone to perish in hell, but everyone come to repentance and live in heaven (2 Pet 3:9). The offer of salvation is all-inclusive – “whoever believes in Him…” but also exclusive – “whoever does not believe…” (Jn 3:16,18). Whether a person is doomed to a lost eternity or enjoys the magnificence of heaven is dependent on their personal choice. Likewise, the blessings and promises of God are equally available to all – yet dependent on the individual obeying His directives (Deut 28:1,2,15).

He will judge the world in righteousness and fairness with complete impartiality (Ps 9:8; Isa 11:3-5).

The Lord hates dishonest scales, yet delights in accuracy, wanting us to
be honest, truthful and fair in our relationships and business dealings (Prov 11:1, 16:11). We are to respect other people, not taking advantage of their

Fairness is treating everyone the same

naivety or lack of experience. “In the same measure you give, you will receive back” reaping as we have sown (Mt 7:2; Gal 6:7,8). We are not to show favouritism or accept bribes, instead treat and respect people equally, regardless of their social or economic status, gender or beliefs (Ex 23:3,8; Jas 2:1-9).

When you think God or life in general is unfair towards you don’t become bitter, rather use these experiences as bricks of life to build a structure of character, worth and honour to Jesus. Have you considered those in war-ravaged countries, those without sufficient food, adequate shelter, medical attention and other necessities of life? It is the responsibility of those with a surplus to share (Prov 3:27; 2 Cor 8:14; 1 Tim 6:17-19). We live in an imperfect world, with many injustices; be thankful to God for what you have, especially eternal salvation.

Jesus committed Himself to the one who always and in every situation judges fairly (1 Pet 2:23). Aren’t you glad you have the same loving heavenly Father.

The Psalmist complained how unfair life was – the wicked seemed to be having a good life with all sorts of material blessings, while the righteous suffer (Ps 73:3-16). It was only when he entered the sanctuary of God that he saw the true perspective (Ps 73:17-20). He concluded that the prosperity of the wicked is only temporary, yet their judgment will last for eternity, in contrast the suffering of the righteous is only temporary with their reward also lasting eternally (2 Cor 4:17).

The accusation is sometimes made that God is not fair, because He dooms people to hell forever for sins committed in this short life. A fuller understanding is, not only did we inherit the sinful nature from Adam, but we also actively sin by our own personal choice

Whatever God does is always fair

(Rom 3:23, 5:12). Because of our choosing to sin we are guilty before a holy and righteous God who cannot tolerate sin yet His judgment and penalty is fair (Prov 6:16-19; Isa 5:25; Zech10:3). While our sin is often against other people, primarily it is against God and His perfect standards (Ps 51:4). It is impossible for our minds to grasp the fact that He is eternal and infinite. Our finite minds limit sin to time, but with God the sin we commit (and He hates) goes on and on. Our sin is eternally before Him and must be eternally punished in order to justify His holy justice.

Yet just as through the disobedience of the one man [Adam] the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man [Christ] the many will be made righteous" (Rom 5:17,19). The same principle of God applying Adam's sin to the entire human race is likewise just in applying Jesus Christ's death to all who receive Him through repentance and faith. Jesus died for the sins of the world which includes everyone, yet we individually must choose to accept His pardon. The gracious offer of salvation is available, with those accepting Christ receiving far more than they deserve (Isa 55:6,7; Jn 1:12; Rev 22:17). Conversely, those who reject His gift to have their sins forgiven and have eternal life, will experience the fair consequences of that decision which is not being punished beyond what they deserve (Jn 3:18,36).

The realities of eternal damnation and eternal punishment are frightening. Consequently, this should motivate us to share the message of salvation with the lost, knowing God wants all saved from this fate (2 Pet 3:9).