This week’s discussion post provides an opportunity to think through what God
really means about justice and how we are to seek it. e The prophet Micah records
that there are actions that the Lord would like to see His people carryout. e “To act
justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8, NIV).[1]
From the beginning of the reading, the way the topic of sin versus crime was
discussed was helpful as it put into words thoughts that I have contemplated. e I
consider myself to be a compassionate person who feels the emotions of another
and therefore can empathize with the decision that was made. e However, this
does not come without the clear distinction that while I understand, I do not
support the choice. e Rather I look at our choices—in this posts case disobedience
to the law of drug possession— as opportunities to change directions and
capitalize on the gift of being able to make a “responsible choice.”[2] e e As a
Christian, my role is always to love and reconcile this is my ministry given to me
through my relationship with Christ (2 Cor 5:18, NIV). e Reconciliation,
rehabilitation, and repentance go hand-in-hand. e Making change is repentance and
change that is towards the personhood of Christ sanctification takes place and
peace can be found. “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be
wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” (Acts 3:19, NIV). e
Though our governmental systems have hugely left behind the concept of
rehabilitation[3] it is the honor of the Christian to enter into the lives and be a
facilitator of His love and mercy. e However, this is all speaking of help after that
crime has occurred it is those who know and have a relationship with God,
through Jesus, and with the presence of the Holy Spirit that can hear the voice of
wisdom’s guidance. e “Whether you turn to the right or the left, your ears will hear a
voice behind you saying, “This is the way, walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21. NIV). e To
“faithfully teach God’s holy standards and God’s holy judgement” might be the
“greatest contribution the Christian and the church can make towards
deterrence.”[4] e It is through the act of teaching how to live a righteous life
through solid biblical teaching is a way to love one another and pass on faith.[5]
[1] Unless otherwise noted all biblical references are in the New International
Version.
[2] Robert McQuilkin and Paul Copan,
An Introduction to Biblical Ethics: Walking in
the Way of Wisdom
(Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press Academic, 2013), 430.
[3] Ibid., 432.
[4] Ibid., 442.
[5] Todd Wilson and Gerald Hiestand.
Becoming a Pastor Theologian: New
Possibilities for Church Leadership.
(Illinois: InterVarsity Press Academic, 2016),
188.
Bibliography
McQuilkin, Robert and Paul Copan.
An Introduction to Biblical Ethics: Walking in
the Way of Wisdom.
Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press Academic, 2013.
Wilson, Todd and Gerald Hiestand.
Becoming a Pastor Theologian: New
Possibilities for Church Leadership.
Illinois: InterVarsity Press Academic, 2016.
WORD COUNT: 458
