This week’s discussion post provides an opportunity to think through what God really
means about justice and how we are to seek it. i The prophet Micah records that there
are actions that the Lord would like to see His people carryout. i “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. i I consider myself to be a
compassionate person who feels the emotions of another and therefore can
empathize with the decision that was made. i However, this does not come without the
clear distinction that while I understand, I do not support the choice. i 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] i i 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). i
Reconciliation, rehabilitation, and repentance go hand-in-hand. i 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). i
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. i 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.
“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). i 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] i 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
