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