Social justice is God's measure

To the editor:

A recent letter suggested that righteousness is superior to social justice. I am compelled to say that this view completely misrepresents the major emphasis of the Bible. There can be no righteousness without social justice. In fact, social justice is the barometer by which God measures the righteousness of nations and individuals. When prophets of the Old Testament spoke, it was often to chide political, religious and business leaders on their lack of compassion and justice. Micah 6:8 states clearly that God is not impressed with our religious rituals but requires that we act compassionately and with justice. Jesus taught that we should love God, and our neighbor. To the rich young man who made his claim to righteousness based on the fact that he had kept all of God's commandments, Jesus said to "sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor."

As a pastor of 25 years, I am more and more alarmed by the pervasive attitude among church-going people that we can be right with God without caring for and loving one another. Remember, it was the so-called righteous, religious people who killed Jesus and sent the prophets packing. What we need today is less personal righteousness and more love of neighbor. Love of God and neighbor go hand in hand. We can't claim to love God unless we also love others. So love, above all else, needs to become our priority.

The Rev. RANDY HECKMAN, Cape Girardeau