Applying Justice - Illustration

Imagine a small community garden, tended by neighbors who had once barely exchanged greetings. Each person brings their own seeds, planting them in hope, but also in vulnerability, knowing that the results are uncertain. As the garden grows, so does their connection. One neighbor, who has been struggling with feelings of isolation, finds purpose in watering the plants. Another, who recently faced a job loss, discovers joy in sharing the harvest with others.

In Romans 8:28, we are reminded that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him." This doesn’t mean that everything that happens is good, but that God purposefully weaves even our hardships into a greater tapestry of hope and community. Each of those neighbors brings a unique story of struggle and triumph, and together, they create a space where justice is lived out—not just in words, but in action.

This garden becomes a symbol of God’s justice, a place where each person's needs are met through mutual service. As we tend to one another, we reflect our Creator’s heart for community.

So, I encourage you, church: look around you. Who is in need of your love and service today? How can you plant seeds of justice and grace in your everyday interactions? Let us lean into our shared purpose, trusting that God will cultivate growth, not just in us, but among us. Together, we can bloom into a vibrant community that reveals God’s kingdom here on earth.