Zechariah 7:9 (NIV)
"This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Administer true justice: show mercy and compassion to one another.'"

One major theme that runs through all of Scripture is God's patience, long-suffering, mercy, and compassion towards His people. Even to those who were not His special people. This passage tells what God's idea regarding true administration of justice is. It is not how we as fallible human beings often define it, which is usually a form of revenge or retribution. God defines administration of justice as being merciful and compassionate to one another; to show kindness to one another. Especially to the widow and the fatherless, the alien or stranger, and the poor.

True justice involves loving one another and helping to fulfill the various needs of others. Steadfast love is the special quality which should influence all personal relationships within the smaller and larger community. It is the one thing that upbuilds societies that practice it. Societies that do not practice true administration of justice--showing mercy and compassion to especially the weakest of its members--are doomed to face eventual breakdown.

The Lord calls us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. If we do this on a personal and corporate level, the societies in which we live will become stronger and better places. And in the process more people may be drawn to Christ and be saved.