I really enjoy being well-informed, which leads me to watch the news daily. But nowadays, it can be very overwhelming to process all the uncertainty in the world—specially if you look beyond the headlines. Sometimes, I get so upset seeing so much injustice being labeled as justice. It makes me sad to witness so many movements that, while rooted in noble causes, are also driven by bitterness and hatred—resulting in rebellion and, ultimately, more injustice.

There is a difference between justice and self-righteousness—and maybe, just maybe, we’re failing to notice it. Both may involve a sense of right and wrong, but self-righteousness is justice distorted by ego.

Let me explain this with a simple example:

I was hurt. Someone treated me unfairly. The natural response to experiencing injustice is anger and rage—and that’s completely normal, even healthy, as we process what happened. But what we do next with that pain and anger is decisive, because we have two choices:

1. You choose to forgive. This doesn’t always mean restoring the relationship with the person who hurt you, but it means you no longer carry the offense. It no longer has power over you.
2. You choose to hold on to your anger. Your heart grows bitter, and that bitterness eventually turns into rage. The offense now controls you.

So let me say this: pursuing justice is noble and necessary—but justice without forgiveness does not exist. It only causes more damage, spreads hate, and hurts more people.

According to online research, at least half—and often up to two-thirds—of all murders in Latin America are directly linked to revenge or retaliation. Hurt people hurt others. That’s why forgiveness is so important. These people wanted justice, but they ended up causing more injustice.

Peace can only be sustainable if the foundation of your pursuit of justice is forgiveness,  forgiveness allows us to heal what has been hurt. And that foundation has already been laid by Jesus. When Jesus was being crucified, tortured, and treated unfairly, He said—even in the midst of immense pain and deep injustice:

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." - Luke 23:34

What a powerful message! I encourage you to read the entire chapter in the Bible because the story is quite impressive, and you can learn a lot about justice, love, and forgiveness.

Think about this: we will never be able to be 100% fair. And yet Jesus declared us just—because He forgave us and bore all the injustice of the world on the cross. In doing so, He showed us that the foundation of justice is forgiveness.

So here are my two appeals to you:

1. Check your heart when you seek justice. “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.” — Proverbs 21:2
2. Take a stand when you see injustice. Do not be indifferent. “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”  -  Proverbs 31:8–9

"Judgment will again be founded on justice, and those with virtuous hearts will pursue it." 

Psalm 94:15 

I hope these sentences resonate at least a little with your heart, and help you forgive, heal, and seek justice while extending grace.

Many blessings!

Ana Laura