This quote by A.W. Tozer challenges traditional notions of justice as a concept separate from God. The idea that justice is not just a quality possessed by God, but rather integral to His very being, suggests a deeper understanding of divine justice. It implies that justice is not simply an attribute that God possesses, but rather defines His nature and character. This perspective emphasizes the absolute and intrinsic nature of justice within the context of God's existence. Tozer's quote invites readers to contemplate the profound implications of justice as an inherent part of God's essence, rather than as a separate quality attributed to Him.
In today's society, the concept of justice is often debated and interpreted in various ways. A.W. Tozer's quote, "Justice is not something God has. Justice is something that God is," reminds us that justice is not just a quality or attribute that God possesses, but it is inherent to His nature. This serves as a powerful reminder for us to strive for justice in our own lives and in the world around us, as we are called to reflect the character of God who is just.
One of the most well-known quotes by A.W. Tozer is: "Justice is not something God has. Justice is something that God is." This quote succinctly captures Tozer's view that justice is an inherent aspect of God's nature rather than a quality that God possesses. By stating that God is justice itself, Tozer emphasizes the importance of righteousness and fairness in understanding the character of God.
As we contemplate the words of A.W. Tozer about justice being inherent to God's nature, it is important for us to reflect on what this means for our understanding of justice and our relationship with God. Consider the following questions to guide your reflection:
How does the idea of justice being a part of God's essence shape your understanding of righteousness and fairness in the world?
In what ways does recognizing that justice is not just something God possesses, but rather a core aspect of His being, impact how you view God's character and actions?
How can the concept of God embodying justice influence your own beliefs about seeking justice and acting justly in your everyday life?
Reflect on a time when you have witnessed or experienced injustice. How does knowing that justice is inherent to God's nature provide comfort or challenge in such situations?
How can you strive to align your understanding and pursuit of justice with the character of God as one who is inherently just?
“When God justifies a sinner, everything in God is on the sinner's side. All the attributes of God are on the sinner's side. It isn't that mercy is pleading for the sinner and justice is trying to beat him to death. All of God does all that God does.”
“The author squares man's depravity with still being made in the image of God with this word picture. A vase that has held beautiful roses though now broken, will nevertheless hold something of the fragrance it once contained.”
“Yet if we would know God and for other's sake tell what we know we must try to speak of his love. All Christians have tried but none has ever done it very well. I can no more do justice to that awesome and wonder-filled theme than a child can grasp a star. Still by reaching toward the star the child may call attention to it and even indicate the direction one must look to see it. So as I stretch my heart toward the high shining love of God someone who has not before known about it may be encouraged to look up and have hope.”
“Your poor heart, in which God put appreciation for everlastingness, will not take electronic gadgets in lieu of eternal life. Something inside of you is too big for that, too terrible, too wonderful. God has set everlastingness in your heart. All the things of this world are here for but a moment and then are gone. None can satisfy the longing for that eternal ragging in the soul of every man.”
“Whenever you see confusion, you can be sure that something is wrong. Disorder in the world implies that something is out of place. Usually, at the heart of all disorder you will find man in rebellion against God. It began in the Garden of Eden and continues to this day.”
“To say that God is omniscient is to say that He possesses perfect knowledge and therefore has no need to learn. But it is more: it is to say that God has never learned and cannot learn.”