Equal Justice Under Law

# Equal Justice Under Law

On March 20, 2019, at Washington, the western façade of the United States Supreme Court was inscribed with the words "Equal Justice Under Law." This phrase originates from the end of the Peloponnesian War around 404 BC. At that time, the Greek General Pericles delivered a famous speech in which he declared: "If we look to the laws, they will afford equal justice to all in their private differences." Over time, through many translations and with the emergence of equal protection clauses in the Fourteenth Amendment, this concept gradually transformed and was condensed into the phrase engraved in white marble on the western façade of the Supreme Court building. In that same speech, General Pericles also stated that, "Class distinctions are not allowed to interfere with ability; neither does poverty hinder, if a man is able to serve the state, he will not be hindered by the lowness of his circumstances." General Pericles emphasized that a person's status, physical condition, or level of wealth should not prevent them from receiving equal justice or serving in certain positions.(1)

Laws are established to protect the rights of individuals within a society. God's Word is written throughout the Bible with hundreds of laws, commandments, and ordinances, to preserve the justice and equality of God's people. The theme of "equality" in the Bible is not merely a moral value but a truth that stems from the very nature of God—the way God reveals Himself to humanity—that He regards all people as equal. God Himself created humanity in His image: "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them" (Genesis 1:27). The image of God is of the highest value; therefore, no one is superior or inferior in value, for all bear the image of God. All people possess the highest sacred dignity, regardless of what role they play in earthly society!

The Bible tells us that God shows no partiality. The Apostle Peter affirmed, "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right" (Acts 10:34-35). The Apostle Paul also declared that, "For God does not show favoritism" (Romans 2:11). Indeed, God is just, and therefore He treats all people with justice—without distinction of color, race, wealth, or poverty. In God, we have complete justice and equality! Thank God!

Because of His infinite love, God created humanity and has given us all things; and He also desires that we love one another, treat each other with equality, regardless of who that person is. Jesus said, "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.... Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5:44-45, 48). God wants us to become perfect, bearing His image—perfect in loving everyone as God loves us. When we love one another as God loves us, then we are able to treat each other with equality.

God's Law and commandments teach us to practice equal justice with all people, especially with those who are weaker. God's Word says, "Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly" (Leviticus 19:15); "For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes" (Deuteronomy 10:17); "Now let the fear of the Lord be on you. Judge carefully, for with the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery" (2 Chronicles 19:7).

Thank God for His justice, His constant love, His equal treatment of us, showing no partiality; He is the love that brings all different nations together, and no difference can separate us from one another or from God! Thank God for leaving us His perfect Law, teaching us to live with love, justice, and equality, helping one another unconditionally; even if the world may not be just to us, God always judges us with justice! May the Holy Spirit strengthen us to live justly and help one another to walk steadfastly with God; may each of our lives always express His justice and infinite love to all those around us! Amen!

Almighty, righteous, God alone, Showing partiality to none, yet made clear, Judging justly, and with mercy shown, Praise His holy name, our refuge dear! Obey His Word and walk in doctrine's way, With all your heart, all strength, all you can give, Treat one another equally every day, The poor and weak—show love in how you live!

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