Scripture: Romans 2:1-3
Therefore you have no excuse, whoever you are, when you judge others; for in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, are doing the very same things. You say, “We know that God’s judgment on those who do such things is in accordance with truth.” Do you imagine, whoever you are, that when you judge those who do such things and yet do them yourself, you will escape the judgment of God?
Thought for the Day: On this 8th day of October, I am writing with my sister – Stephanie – in mind. Today is her birthday, and along with a number of jobs, she works at UT in the area of Restorative Justice. This is a fascinating discipline, and though some might suggest it’s relatively young, I would point to both the Hebrew scriptures and the writings of Paul as evidence of its true age. Standing against Restorative Justice is Retributive Justice, a punitive approach that seeks to make society feel better by seeing the criminal/perpetrator suffer. Some might say harsh punishments deter crime, but most studies seem to suggest that the severity of the punishment does not deter. Restorative Justice seeks both a different approach and a different end than Retributive Justice. The Apostle Paul sets forth a list of sinful behaviors that would have many asking for justice to be done — that is, harsh punishment to be imposed upon the guilty. Yet for Paul, the guilty are not some evil other. We’ve met the evil others and them is us. The justice God seeks is one where the brokenness of both victim and offender finds healing — creating an environment where restoration and reconciliation can happen. Our nation currently has built a system that uses the word justice in its name, but it has become a mammoth business that is driven by profit. The longer and more punitive the punishment, the more profit can be made. Let us ask the basic questions: What do we want as a final outcome? What does God want as the end result of a system that seeks justice?
Prayer: There is something within most of us, Lord, that wants revenge and retribution when someone else has committed a wrong. Let me understand the working of your restorative grace that seeks true transformation of individuals. This gift is not simply for those bad people over there, but includes me as well. Thank you! Amen.
TODAY
WEDNESDAY STUDY
Noon and 6:30pm
Study of Psalm 19
