In a cultural era when society argues that words can have whatever interpretation one pleases, the term “justice” has likewise transcended its true meaning. Justice, it seems, is loosely defined as “whatever I personally think is fair.” In other words, it’s “my truth” as applied to punishment.

But justice is a complex ethical principle, derived from an objective value of righteousness. The moral virtue of being justified literally means to stand rightly, correctly, and with legitimacy. The Bible speaks of justification, the state of being made righteous in the sight of God, through faith in Jesus. The Book of Romans says,