Trusting God’s Justice in an Unjust World
One of the most difficult questions people wrestle with is this: How can God be just when injustice is rampant, when evil seems to prosper, and when bad things happen to “good” people?
At the heart of this struggle are some deep misconceptions—flaws in our thinking—that need to be brought into the light of Scripture.
Flaw #1: The Belief That “People Are Basically Good”
The first error begins with the assumption that humanity is inherently good. This idea might be comforting, but it does not align with what the Bible teaches.
Romans 3:10-12 tells us plainly:
“None is righteous, no, not one;
no one understands; no one seeks for God.
All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;
no one does good, not even one.”
On our own, apart from God, there is no true goodness within us. Only God Himself is good, and only through the blood of Jesus and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit can we live in righteousness. Without Him, we are lost.
Flaw #2: Blaming God for Humanity’s Brokenness
The second misconception is that because we cannot be good, the fault must lie with God. Some argue, “So, God created injustice and sin, and then punishes us for it.”
But Scripture tells a different story. In the beginning, God created the world in perfect order. He looked at His creation and declared, “It is good.” There was no flaw in what He made. Sin entered the world through our disobedience, and with it came the curse that still affects us today.
Here’s the beautiful paradox: God is both a just judge and a merciful Savior. He cannot ignore sin because justice demands a penalty. But in His mercy, He paid the penalty Himself through the sacrifice of Jesus. Justice was served, and availability for mercy was extended at the same time. We only need choose to accept His free gift.
Flaw #3: Believing God’s Justice Is “Late”
Finally, there’s the tension we all feel: if God is just, why does His judgment often seem delayed? Why do murderers sometimes walk free? Why do abusers escape earthly consequences?
Romans 12:19 reminds us:
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’”
What looks like delay to us is actually patience. God’s timing is not ours. He has already judged sin at the cross, and He patiently waits, not wanting anyone to perish but all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
But make no mistake—there will be a final reckoning. Every act will be judged. For believers, there is the judgment seat of Christ, where our works will be tested. For unbelievers, there is the Great White Throne judgment, where rejection of God will lead to eternal separation from Him.
God’s justice may not unfold according to our timetable, but it is never absent. It is always perfect, always sure, and always rooted in His goodness.
Resting in the Truth
When we feel the weight of injustice in this world, we can rest in these unshakable truths:
God alone is good.
God is both just and merciful.
God’s justice is never late—it is perfectly timed.
Psalm 145:17 says, “The Lord is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His works.”
I am grateful that God’s patience held space for me to repent, and I trust His perfect justice will one day make all things right.