What Is God Like? GOD IS JUST

"Jehovah loves justice." -PSALM 37:28

God always wants to do what is right.  In fact, "it is unthinkable for the true God to act wickedly, for the Almighty to do wrong!" (Job 34:10)  His judgments are upright, as the psalmist said when addressing Jehovah:  "You will judge the people fairly." (Psalm 64:7)  Because Jehovah sees into the heart,"  he cannot be fooled by hypocrisy but is always able to perceive the truth and make accurate judgments.  (1 Samuel 16:7)  Furthermore, God is aware of every act of injustice and corruption on earth, and he has promised that soon "the wicked . . . will be cut off from the earth." -PROVERBS 2:22.

However, God is not  a harsh judge who is eager to punish.  He shows mercy when appropriate.  The Bible says:  "Jehovah is merciful and compassionate," even toward the wicked ones if they sincerely repent.  Is that not true justice? - PSALM 103:8; 2 PETER 3:9.

How do we benefit from God's justice?   The apostle Peter stated:  "God is not partial, but in every nation the man who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him." (Acts 10:34, 35)   We benefit  from God's justice because he never shows partiality or favoritism.  We can be accepted by him and be his worshippers regardless of our race, nationality, education, or social standing. 

Because God wants us to understand and benefit from his justice, he has provided us with a conscience.  The Scriptures describe the conscience as a  law 'written in our hearts,' which 'bears witness'  as to whether our behavior is right or wrong.  (Romans 2:15)  How do we benefit?  Properly trained, our conscience can motivate us to turn away from harmful or unjust  actions. And if we do make a mistake, it can move us to repent and correct our course. Indeed, and understanding of God's sense of justice helps us and draws us to him!

Next time: What Is God Like?  GOD IS LOVE

From the jw.org publications