Our Advocate In All Cases By Tari Cox

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.

Jesus our advocate ; in all cases

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.

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:

1. Just because it’s unheard, doesn’t mean it’s unnoticed.

Feeling that our side is the one that goes unaddressed can be one of the toughest battles faced. Trusting that when our voice is unheard — yet the outcome has already accounted for it — can make it challenging to believe in faith. When faced with situations as such, may we trust God in His omniscience that what appears unheard on this side of heaven does not go unnoticed by Him.

“Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.”

—Psalm 139:4, ESV

2.When it feels unfair, know that it’s still good.

Every work of the Father’s hand is birthed from His goodness. Therefore, we can trust that even what we deem unfair is part of His perfectly orchestrated plan for us to experience more of Him at His fullness. When we are challenged, we can find assurance in knowing that we have a Father who doesn’t miss a beat when it comes to lavishing us in His goodness, even when we are faced with injustice.

“The Lord is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works.”

—Psalm 145:17, ESV

3. Even when you’re the guilty one, He still advocates for you

The beauty of the cross is that it’s a finished work for all who accept Christ. It’s not conditional to those who receive Him or only available to all who recognize their need. When we find ourselves on the other side of the fence, even if we’re well-meaning or simply in a season that has jeopardized decision-making, may we find assurance that He still proudly advocates for us.

“My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

—1 John 2:1, ESV

May we find confidence, assurance, and comfort in knowing that those found in pursuit of Christ will be forever covered by His defense. May we find peace in knowing that our side will always be in consideration, closest to His heart, and accounted for in His promises. May we know that His truth also deems Him our Advocate.

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.