What Is ‘Just’?

This Fall we are exploring words from the new OUUC vision: a world that is loving, just and healthy. In October we delved into “Loving” from many perspectives. Next month, we’ll dive into “Healthy.” This month we’ll inquire about “Just, which we’ll begin In this Sunday’s service. You can catch it here.  

The definition of “just” is when something is based on what is morally right and fair or when someone behaves according to ethics and morals. “Justice” is behavior or treatment that is just, or morally and ethically sound. 

What would a just world be like, a world where laws and behavior were based on what is morally right and fair? Can you imagine such a world? Can you envision how we might create such a world? Or how we might collectively come to understand what is morally right and fair? This is the world that prophets and activists have been envisioning and working for forever. That is our aspiration.  

Of course, the words and concepts of the OUUC vision are connected. Could there be love without justice? Can there be health without love? What about health without justice? 

We’ll consider the connection between health and justice in the November 14 service. For now, I am reminded of two quotes that draw the connection between love and justice.  

“Never forget that justice is what love looks like in public.” 
― Cornel West 

“Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic. Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love.”
― Martin Luther King Jr. 

As we explore “just” this month, consider what this word means to you and how you’d envision a loving, just and healthy world. 

Blessings on your week. 

Rev. Mary  

Minister@ouuc.org