Taking The High Road

At times of discouragement, I wonder if God should put limits on His divine mercy and love. It is not those who commit crimes that frighten me the most, but rather, it is when we place ourselves on the judgement seat outside the courtroom that make me tremble. 

For all our zeal to be good people and devout Christians, our understanding and practice of justice seems millions of miles removed from God's definition of that term.  Given the ease with which we pronounce judgements on one another in the ordinary events of life, this is not surprising. Yet, when harmony is shattered through crime, violence, betrayal, discrimination or exploitation there is nothing more fundamental to Biblical justice than an approach of healing and restoration, in and outside the courtroom. The notion of harsh punishment does not enter the mind of a generous and merciful God.

As a society, we react strongly to violence and crime. Calls for "justice" are heard loud and clear. But what is "justice"? And for a Christian, what kind of "justice" are we called to embrace? God's justice is concerned with healing and reconciliation. Our justice is preoccupied with retribution, punishment and revenge. God's justice is Jesus quietly writing in the sand when others are busy accusing the adulterous woman. Our justice is arrogantly judging the ability of an offender to do good and live in mercy. God's justice is the father patiently waiting for his wayward son to come home. Our justice is denying our strayed brothers and sisters the dignity of belonging, respect and a new chance. God's justice is Jesus eating with sinners and outcasts. Our justice is walking away from anything and anyone who is "unclean," concerned as we are about getting contaminated. God's justice hangs dying on the cross, taking upon himself the sin of the world. Our justice is deafening ourselves to the cry of those who are victims of our greed and then pitying their inability to make a living for themselves. Given this state of affairs, how can we even call ourselves followers of Jesus?

Simplistic solutions are not helpful, whether these are harsh or lenient. Christians need to opt for the "high" road of love, respect and mercy. This choice for love evokes tension, because our instinct wants to "lash out". A radical choice for mercy is difficult to square with our country's public justice system, intent on punishment. Jesus never promised that this "high" road of love would be easy. As a matter of fact, he was put to death for extending God's mercy to those who "deserved" only scorn.

Thank God for a few brave souls.  I think of a young mother, whose teenage son got involved in crime, was on the run from police, and found himself homeless and penniless. Her heart broken in a million pieces, this woman fiercely clung to God's promise of mercy and healing. Mirroring the father waiting for his prodigal son, she said: "What choice do I have but to keep loving? When he comes to his senses, I will welcome him back in love." 

Real love can be harsh and dreadful, tearing us to pieces and getting us crucified. Yet nothing else has the power to restore harmony, healing and true justice -- God's reign. Taking the "high" road of love, God will say: "Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy."