Principles – Justice 10 – “The Scales of Justice” – Saturday 13th of November, 2013

   We mentioned that the only way to establish true peace is though applying justice. Hence, justice and peace are two sides of the same coin. While justice is a strong current that ruins one’s happiness.

   People may see your scars; however they do not feel your pain. However, I think that just people feel the pain of the wronged and they always seek to stop injustice too. This is what religions called for, to have mercy and alleviate the pain of our fellow human beings.

   Some may think that mercy and justice are different, however they are not as applying justice is a divine law that God set up to preserve cohesion of the society and it does not vary with mercy that God asked us to have on our brethrens.

   Justice looks askance at those who wrong others telling them to stop otherwise the consequences would be destructive. It also looks in pity at the wronged telling them not to worry as their affliction would come to an end and their rights would be restored. Mercy also says to the wronged that their time of visitation is close and it warns the unjust that they are destroying themselves by their injustice.

   Justice carries the notion of freedom in its essence. The basic need for every person is to lead a decent and free life and enjoy equality and equal opportunities.

   Justice set the limits of freedom so that it does not turn into a destructive too as it is said freedom with no law is anarchy.

   True freedom is not running from obligations, but rather it is to choose the best for oneself, others and country and to fulfill one’s duties. According to Montesquieu “Freedom is the right to do whatever the laws permit”. However at the same time one should realize that “Liberty and responsibility are inseparable.” One should comply with his obligation toward himself, others and his country.

   Equality and equal opportunities are the true measures of applying justice. Equality in rights and duties and before law should be applied. Equal opportunities of education, health services, fair work hours and duties should be offered.

   Justice builds a rapport of trust and helps individuals to work enthusiastically as they are sure that every one of them enjoys justice and will face the consequences of their actions whether good or evil. If justice is not applied, one’s dignity would be trampled and his feeling of security is threatened. Thus, a lot of those who experience injustice have turned into tyrants.

   Justice is the scale that keeps freedom, mercy and equality in balance. It is the guarantee that dignity, power and peace of a country and its citizens are preserved

General Bishop

Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center