Oppression (according to Dictionary.com):

  1. the exercise of authority or power in a burdensome, cruel, or unjust manner.
  2. an act or instance of oppressing.
  3. the state of being oppressed.
  4. the feeling of being heavily burdened, mentally or physically, by troubles, adverse conditions, anxiety, etc.

For our purposes, definitions one and four are helpful to consider. The first definition assumes some standard by which to define what is burdensome, cruel, or unjust. This definition is particularly relevant for a follower of Christ. The standard by which we evaluate what ought to be in the life of one created by God is God. That is, what ought to be is what God intends. Anything or anyone who restricts a human being from fulfilling the purpose intended for that person by God is oppressing that human being. The normal result of this sort of oppression is a feeling of being burdened by troubles and adverse conditions, bringing us to the fourth definition.

Of course, one must start with the first definition and a reliable standard in order to accurately assess oppression. It is possible for human beings to feel oppression when there is none, or otherwise be incorrect in assessing oppression according to feelings. In a fallen world, humans often have inappropriate expectations that, when unfulfilled, lead to a feeling of oppression. While such feelings are worthy of concern, they are not the definition of oppression that we will use here.

But what about suffering under oppression? Is it right to dismiss the suffering that comes from oppression and consider only oppression in the abstract? Of course, Jesus cares not only about actual oppression, but also about suffering under oppression – and so should his followers. Any proper consideration of oppression will consider the suffering that occurs in those oppressed. The point is that we must begin with a standard of life by which oppression can be noted and defined rather than with feelings of oppression. So, to repeat, anything or anyone who restricts a human being from fulfilling the purpose intended by God for that person is oppressing that person.

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