We started a new sermon series at our church called No Offense. In this series we are asking a very simple question: Does a follower of Jesus have the right to be offended? For context, the word offended carries with it the idea of being led into sin. A person is so bothered by what you said, so angered by what you did, and so offended that they have been led into sin by their actions. They are trying to defeat and destroy you. They are unkind and impatient. They are hostile in spirit. Sound familiar? These attitudes have become pervasive in this culture.
Have them become pervasive among followers of Jesus?
One litmus test for whether or not we have been led into sin by our actions is called restorative justice. In chapter 3 of the Bible, sin enters the world and brings chaos and pain. Chapter 3 of Genesis guarantees that all of us are going to be bothered and angered by many things in our life. This world is imperfect. You are imperfect. I am imperfect. We are going to be bothered and we are going to bother others.
Restorative justice, demonstrated by Jesus, teaches us that God has a plan to put it back together. God has a plan to bring peace. God has a plan to restore. God is at work remaking our world.
Our culture has strayed so far from this concept. Our culture’s understanding of justice is not restorative, it is punitive and it is harsh. We disagree and our anger drives us to want to destroy, ruin, and devastate each other. It’s a punishment based system. It is especially harsh because we are human beings, imperfect, and incapable of leveling punitive justice well.
As followers of Jesus, we are not called to participate in this system. As followers of Jesus, we believe if punitive action needs to be taken, then God will handle that. Vengeance is mine says the Lord. He’s the only one who is qualified and has the character to handle these issues in a good, just, and right way. There is much conversation among Christians on whether or not God even participates in a punitive system. That is another blog for another day.
As human beings, our goal is always restorative. It’s always grace filled. It’s always striving to bring peace to that which is broken. It’s always striving to make things better. It is what we are called to as followers of Jesus.
So, restorative justice:
Desires to see the offender brought to a change of heart.
Celebrates 2nd, 3rd, and 4th chances.
Treats people with an underlying grace, humility, and kindness.
Prays for people instead of trying to destroy them.
Restorative justice is not easy. On the contrary, it is messy and sometimes hard to figure out. That being said, it is part of what it means to fight for love and to try and figure out what Jesus calls us to do. It requires prayer, humility, and conversation. Restorative justice urges us to follow the example of Jesus. It’s not easy but it is worth it and it is an example our culture needs right now.
Encourage, Challenge, and Equip 