Question 303: How do you grow in justice?

Answer:

I grow in justice by learning God’s Word, practicing obedience, and imitating the righteousness of Christ. Justice grows through the daily choice to speak the truth, treat others fairly, honor authority, protect the vulnerable, and live with integrity. The Holy Spirit forms this virtue in me as I submit to God and act in love toward my neighbor. (Psalm 106:3, Proverbs 21:15, Isaiah 1:17, Micah 6:8, Matthew 5:6)

Full Scripture References

“Blessed are those who uphold justice, who practice righteousness at all times.” – Psalm 106:3 (BSB)

“When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.” – Proverbs 21:15 (BSB)

“Learn to do right! Seek justice, correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the cause of the widow.” – Isaiah 1:17 (BSB)

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” – Micah 6:8 (BSB)

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” – Matthew 5:6 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

Justice is learned by knowing the heart of God and submitting to His commands. It begins with right worship and flows into right action. Fr. David Runnels (ACNA, St. John’s Anglican Church, KY) writes, “Justice grows when we stop asking, ‘What can I get away with?’ and start asking, ‘What does love require?’ It matures in the soul that is shaped by Scripture and prayer.” (The Ordered Heart, 2022)

We cultivate justice by making daily decisions to honor God and serve others rightly. Bishop Trevor Walters (ANiC, Emeritus) explains, “Justice doesn’t begin in courts or councils—it begins in the conscience. When we speak truthfully, treat others fairly, and act with integrity, we grow into the likeness of Christ.” (Walking Justly with God, 2020)

Growth in justice also involves defending those who are weak or overlooked. Fr. Caleb Evans (Anglican Orthodox Church, St. Stephen’s Mission, GA) teaches, “We grow in justice when we use our strength to protect, not to exploit—when we advocate for the voiceless and honor the dignity of every image-bearer.” (Catechesis on Public Virtue, 2021)

The virtue of justice is nurtured within the life of the Church, where we learn humility, repentance, and accountability. Bishop Ray Sutton (Reformed Episcopal Church, Diocese of Mid-America) notes, “Justice must be grounded in God’s law and tempered by mercy. The Church is the place where the soul is trained to walk uprightly while clinging to grace.” (God’s Justice and Human Duty, 2019)

Fr. Thomas Buchan (Anglican Union, St. Mark’s Anglican Church, VA) adds, “Justice grows when the soul is taught to submit its rights to God’s rule. The just person sees all things through the lens of God’s kingdom—not personal advantage, but divine glory.” (Formation and the Virtues, 2022)

Early Church Fathers on Catechism Question

“Let each man be just in his dealings, for justice is the law of heaven written in the heart.” – Augustine of Hippo, On the Morals of the Catholic Church, c. 388 AD

“Justice is the path of peace. Where it is practiced, the fear of God reigns, and charity grows.” – Basil the Great, Rules of the Monastic Life, c. 370 AD

“He who grows in justice walks uprightly before God and man. Let his word be true and his hand clean.” – John Chrysostom, Homily on the Beatitudes, c. 390 AD

“Justice is not only in judgment but in compassion—defending the poor and uplifting the broken.” – Cyprian of Carthage, On Works and Alms, c. 250 AD