By Briana Bass, Christian Romance Author, Devotional Writer & Certified Professional Coach

Poverty, racial inequality, sexism, and homophobia permeate our society. These realities are not abstract. They shape lives, communities, and futures. So how do we as Christians respond? The answer to that may depend on your interpretation and application of Scripture, as well as your life experiences and secular beliefs.

Some people argue that faith is about personal salvation, while justice is a secular pursuit. Yet faith and social justice are not opposites. Scripture shows they are deeply intertwined. From the beginning of Jesus’s earthly ministry, Christianity has been a blend of personal salvation and active engagement in justice. The apostles and early church lived in tension with dominate cultural values. So do we today. We are called to witness, to testify to God’s justice and mercy even when it costs us.

Risk is Part of Discipleship

Challenging cultural norms isn’t always easy, nor does it come without risk. But what about the risks our siblings face every day? Jesus consistently broke cultural expectations. His ministry show s that following Him often means disrupting the norms that marginalize or oppress ourselves and our siblings. To be His disciple means being willing to stand apart when culture contradicts God’s heart.

The Gospel is where faith and justice intersect. In fact, justice is the Gospel lived out. Even in the Old Testament we are commanded to:

Learn to do well.
    Seek justice.
    Relieve the oppressed.
Defend the fatherless.
    Plead for the widow.
Isaiah 1:17, WEB

Justice is not an optional add-on to faith. It is central to God’s heart. God cares deeply about justice. He consistently calls us to be generous, hospitable, and loving. Is that not justice in action? When culture normalizes exclusion, greed, or fear, we are called to embody love, justice, and courage.

Let’s review some practical steps for putting faith and justice in practice:

• Supporting local charities and food banks.
• Advocating for legal policies that reflect God’s concern for the vulnerable.
• Challenging discriminatory practices and cultivating diverse leadership.
• Confronting gender-based violence.
• Creating safe spaces for listening to LGBTQ+ voices.

Gospel faithfulness means confronting injustice, not only within our communities but also within our churches and within ourselves. It is our responsibility to listen and respond, to lament and act boldly as we work towards a brighter future for all.

Christ Modeled Counter-Cultural Living

Jesus consistently sided with the marginalized. His ministry was both spiritual and social. He emphasized caring for the poor, invited women to become disciples, and turned the ancient world’s social hierarchy upside down. Jesus reminds us that God’s Kingdom is beautifully diverse, and we do not have the right to deny anyone access to Him. When we empower one another, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status, we reflect the fullness of God’s Kingdom.

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
    because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to heal the broken hearted, 
    to proclaim release to the captives,
    recovering of sight to the blind,
    to deliver those who are crushed,
     and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”
Luke 4:18-19, WEB

Jesus came to not only save us from our sins but to also restore our dignity and equity. He partners with us to ensure that no one feels excluded from His love. When our siblings face risks simply for who they are, we cannot shrink back from risk when defending them. Courage in the race of risk is not optional; it is a reflection of solidarity and Christlike love.

Challenging Norms is Central to Our Calling

We cannot be silent or indifferent to the injustices occurring in our world. Our witness is compromised when we fail to embody Christ’s radical love. Faith and justice are inseparable. To follow Christ is to pursue both.

We are not called to blend in, but to stand out in love and justice. When we radically love our neighbors, we are radically loving Christ Himself. Our credibility as Christians rests not in protecting ourselves but in embodying sacrificial love that refuses to let others bear risks alone.