In his prophecies, a shepherd named Amos described God’s grace. He said, “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24).

English translations for the biblical meaning of the justice and righteousness described by Amos differ from our everyday usage and are somewhat incomplete. In the biblical sense, justice is an idea of fairness, receiving our due, or the conclusion of justice. In other words, a response that is right. Righteousness describes a core quality of God that includes holiness, faithfulness, integrity, and the life-giving power of restoration. God puts things in right relation, and we can share this quality with God.

The image of water rolling down is also about baptism. Lent, the current liturgical season, originated from the 40-day preparation for baptism. At the beginni ...