In the Bible justice and righteousness are the same. Justice resides within the very nature of God, who shows us what righteousness is. Though God hates sin and will eventually judge it, his judgment is constrained by his mercy. Scripture describes God as a Being who is slow to anger, eager to allow as many people as possible to come into his kingdom through faith in his Son.
When we belong to Christ, we no longer need to fear God’s judgment. Instead his righteousness becomes a source of hope and joy, because we realize that justice is the foundation for peace and harmony both in our personal lives and in the world around us. Without justice, relationships disintegrate and community is violated.
If God were merciful but not just he might be a “nice” God or a weak God or something even worse, because to let evil go unpunished when you have the power to do something about it is to become an accessory to evil. But God is pure goodness. He is the justice for which we long.
Then the King will say to those on his right, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me."
Matthew 25: 34-36
