Jesus our advocate ; in all cases by TARI COX, M.A.
Philosophy would argue that what makes us human is our ability to reason and exercise moral judgment. While a perfect consensus in decision-making across us all is impossible to achieve, each of us carries the longing to be handled justly, even if our actions are the ones unjust. For even the toughest, a yearning to be handled with care remains. The most empathetic are still wired to be able to detect when they are wronged. And regardless of the course of life and what routes we find ourselves journeying, we are met with inevitable moments where someone’s “right” is our “wrong.” We are confronted with moments where someone’s advances are simultaneously our loss.
The truth is, one doesn’t have to be wronged by a person to experience the impact of unfairness. Accepting the will of the Father means accepting His ways are unlike our own. However, the conglomerate of emotions that comes with unjust and unfair moments, such as anger and confusion, provide a home for a root of bitterness to exist — where pain meets anger. Remaining far from dismissive of these emotions, Jesus invites us to journey through them with Him while coming to know Him as our Advocate when we are mishandled, even when we think He’s the one doing the mishandling. He is not naive to why we feel justified in our pain, though He’s the only one worthy enough to bring justice. Similarly in therapeutic settings, clinicians often assume the role of an advocate on the behalf of the client. Not only is this asserted in judicial matters, but also within the therapeutic dynamic itself. The client is consistently accompanied by statements, opinions, and insight that are rooted in their best interest, even in the midst of disagreement in perspective or action. When we are wronged, Jesus isn’t on the hunt for reasoning to determine whether or not the cause is valid. He has already chosen to be your Advocate before you are confronted with a need for defense.
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You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” —John 15:16 Having Jesus as our Advocate doesn’t negate the questions and moments of frustration we may feel. Here are several reminders for the challenging moments of what’s unfair or goes unheard, even if you’re the guilty one:
