But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always. Hosea 12:6
“Great, then, is the glory of justice; for she, existing rather for the good of others than of self, is an aid to the bonds of union and fellowship amongst us. She holds so high a place that she has all things laid under her authority, and further can bring help to others and supply money; nor does she refuse her services, but even undergoes dangers for others. Who would not gladly climb and hold the heights of this virtue, were it not that greed weakens and lessens the power of such a virtue? For as long as we want to add to our possessions and to heap up money, to take into our possession fresh lands, and to be the richest of all, we have cast aside the form of justice and have lost the blessing of kindness towards all. How can he be just that tries to take from another what he wants for himself?”
Ambrose of Milan in On the Duties of the Clergy, 29:136-137, in Ambrose: Selected Works and Letters by Philip Schaff (Grand Rapids: CCEL) 56.
We must be careful not to lose the blessing of kindness towards all. We lose this when we aim to amass for ourselves rather than serve others. It shows we are waiting on ourselves rather than waiting on God.
What would your bank statements say about justice in your life? As God has blessed you, would they say that you supply money where needed? Or would they testify that you have tried to heap up money, which is to cast aside justice?
The prophet Hosea would say that if you are doing the latter, then it’s time to return to God. His design for you is to bless others with all that He supplies through enjoyment and sharing. In a troubled world, don’t let God find you holding back for yourself in fear or selfishness.
Jenni and I made it safely to Florida to host a Korean delegation from Seoul and to enjoy some precious time with my parents and my brother, David, and sister-in-law, Joanna. We are staying and David and Joanna’s home, pictured above.
Thank you, God, for special moments with loved ones who love justice and have the blessing of kindness towards all.