A Year in Luke/ActsNäide

Justice is the pursuit of what is right in the world, and self-control is the discipline to do what is right on a personal level. If one is pursuing both of these, the reality of the coming judgment is not something to fear, but a relief. Judgment is when wrongs are finally made right.

Humans often have a tendency to emphasize one over the other of justice or self-control. There are those who desire to stand up for those who might be oppressed in some way and their focus is on bringing a physical end to suffering. Then others might advocate for the need for moral and character formation. Both of these are needed but require each other for a holistic picture. God’s judgment is when both social and moral transformation happens. In order to anticipate and long for judgment on evil we must value both justice and self-control, if not we will end up being fearful or resenting this reality.