Biblical justice is not a modern concept. It is as old as the Bible and rooted in the very character of God. An Old Testament prophet wrote, "He has shown you, O man, what is good: to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8). The world pursues justice through protest and political advocacy, but the church should remember that although we live in this world, we are not of it (John 17:16).
The Chinese church has demonstrated that biblical social justice can be practiced in a quieter yet powerful way—through service, compassion, and acts of Christian kindness. Christians should not rush to courtrooms before justice is done; rather, living rightly in relationship with others is justice in action. Biblical social justice is not merely legalistic—it is also deeply loving. Jesus said to the scribes and Pharisees, "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former" (Matthew 23:23).
Biblical justice emphasizes more than fairness in legal systems. It includes defending the vulnerable, restoring dignity, and maintaining right relationships. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, God commands us to protect the poor, welcome strangers, and share what we have with those in need. In Chinese culture, justice is often associated with order and harmony. The church in China has embraced this legacy. Western expressions of social justice are often rooted in activism and political struggle. Some Western churches have absorbed this approach, as seen in the events of Jan. 6, 2021, when American Christians took part in the invasion of the U.S. Capitol while demanding justice after the presidential election.
The biblical social justice system practiced by the Chinese church is different from Western activism. It is biblically rooted and based on relational justice, through peace restoration, poverty alleviation, and acts of kindness and goodwill to ensure equity and justice for all. Chinese Christians do not protest on the streets of Beijing or use social media to campaign for justice. Instead, their quiet disposition in addressing injustice—by serving the poor, living with integrity, and offering mercy—is worthy of emulation. The church's quiet acts of justice speak louder than activism and political struggle. They are a bright light that draws the Gentiles to the saving knowledge of Christ.
Social justice, as emphasized in the Bible, is not merely a modern political ideology—it is a reflection of God's character. It shows His deep concern for the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed. The Chinese church, though often under pressure and operating quietly, has lived out this justice in remarkable, Spirit-led ways. The Amity Foundation is one example that comes to mind when biblical social justice is discussed in China. Founded in 1985 by Chinese Christians, Amity stands of one of the nation's most impactful Christian NGOs. Based in Nanjing, the foundation works in rural development, education, healthcare, disaster relief, and support for marginalized groups. In remote Yunnan Province, Amity teams built clean water systems and schools in underdeveloped villages. They didn't just offer charity—they partnered with local communities, empowering them to manage resources and preserve dignity. This reflects the biblical principle of lifting up the poor through justice and righteousness.
In a time marked by hunger, human degradation, social unrest, economic inequality, and rising cries for justice, the global church stands at a critical juncture. Churches worldwide must not only preach righteousness but also live out the justice of God. The biblical model of social justice is not only relevant—it is essential for the global church to embrace and emulate. The early church lived this legacy. Acts 2 and 4 describe a community where resources were shared so that "there were no needy persons among them." Paul's letters repeatedly call for equitable treatment among believers, regardless of social status, gender, or ethnicity (Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11). Justice was not an accessory to the gospel—it was a central demonstration of its power.
I have been wondering why churches in Africa and the Western world find it difficult to adopt the early church's social welfare model, as the Chinese church has. That there were no needy persons among the Jerusalem believers in Acts 4 sounds unbelievable, but it was a reality. Believers sold what they had to contribute to the church's social welfare program. Barnabas sold his land and gave the proceeds to the church, and the funds were distributed to each person as they had need. When the success of this program was evaluated, it was found that no worshiper was in need. A closer look at why the early church successfully implemented this program reveals that their Christian faith was founded on suffering, sacrifice, self-denial, and cross-bearing. Immediately after the church was born on the day of Pentecost, persecution baptized them. It was out of necessity that believers gathered in one accord and remained in close proximity.
I also observed that the messages preached by this church greatly influenced their willingness to sacrificially give. Their sermons focused on Christ and him crucified. These messages pricked the hearts of the listeners and inspired acts of Christian kindness. They understood the meaning of seeking the kingdom of God and were willing to suffer and make sacrifices to attain it (Acts 14:22). They gave up luxury to ensure that other believers had their basic needs met. It is evident that the sermons heard by the early Christians, which motivated them to practice radical communitarianism, are vastly different from the messages that encourage today's Christians to accumulate wealth for themselves and their families. With great power, the apostles preached the resurrection of Christ, and believers were moved to sell their possessions for the common good of the church. Why are African and Western churches not practicing theocratic welfarism? Why have so many global Christians become so capitalistic and materialistic?
The biblical social justice system is not a thing of the past. It is a living reality today, as exemplified by the Chinese church. It is God's template, designed for His people in a time such as this. This model challenges the global church to rise above partisanship, activism, and cultural traditions that are not aligned with Scripture, and to embrace the social justice system of the early church. As the world cries out for equality, justice, and mercy, the church has an unprecedented opportunity and responsibility to lead by example. Following the biblical model of justice will foster inclusivity, bridge the gap between rich and poor, promote peace, expand God's kingdom, and help create a world where all are equal, on earth as they are in the sight of God.
