This past week I read a statement on Facebook that grabbed my attention: “to forgive is to see that you do not desire to have power over the offender (that is, that you do not desire even justice).” I imagine I could stop right here, ask for comments, and fill a page. I suppose the responses would range from thankful, unbelieving, angry, confused, defeated, frustrated, and so on, for much emotion could be wrapped into this one sentence.
Let’s start with the first phrase, which for our purposes we will separate, assuming it was the original and intended thought – “to forgive is to see that you do not desire to have power over the offender.” “To forgive is to see that you do not desire to have power over the offender.” I take this to mean one makes forgiveness their personal responsibility and purpose, even to the extinct as they refuse to hold the offense over the offender. WOW ~ what a powerful, difficult, and often un-attempted task.
We could spend an eternity on the need and freedom of forgiveness (and I intend to address this issue separately within a later post), but what grabbed my attention most was the addition of this statement – “that is, that you do not desire even justice.” Yikes! From a counseling and theological standpoint the attachment of dismissing justice, even the desire for justice, as a part of the complete forgiveness process is alarming. I admit this is unhealthy fallacy has for some time ignited by my personal passion, and in this case leads me to reissue an old quote from my papaw – hogwash!
What I hope to do in this post is present a more balanced and Biblical response to the matter of forgiveness and justice. #1.) Forgiveness and Justice are two separate issues, #2.) Acknowledging our need/desire for justice is not only healthy but reality, #3) Desiring justice is a reflection of God’s character in us.
Terms defined:
Forgiveness - the process of concluding resentment, indignation or anger as a result of a perceived offense, difference or mistake, or ceasing to demand punishment or restitution.
Justice - the concept of moral rightness based on ethics, rationality, law, natural law, religion, fairness, or equity, along with the punishment of the breach of said ethics.
As seen above, one can forgive and cease to demand punishment, while the standard of justice remain broken and in need of consequence. What I mean to say is that one issue does not hinge, connect, or depend on the other. We can forgive an offense and justice seemingly never be granted, while at the same time justice may occur without forgiveness ever taking place. Additionally, while forgiveness may not demand the response of justice, this does not mean that forgiveness ceases to desire justice, and vise versa… one receiving justice may desire forgiveness but this does not mean that forgiveness will ever be granted.
Biblical Reference:
Throughout the book of Psalms, David laments even begs for God’s justice on evil doers (see Ps. 109, Ps. 69:27-28, Ps. 139:19-22). Often in seemingly harsh and ungodly ways, and yet he was referred to as a man after God’s own heart (I Sam. 13:13-14).
Counseling Perspective:
“not to even desire justice” alludes to an idea of dismissing or denying one’s personal feeling or emotional need. Emotional denial may help with surviving the immediate crisis, but it will never lead into moving past pain into freedom.
God knows how you feel and what you need and is able to carry the full weight of your emotions. Just don’t stop short, with vision directed toward the person/place your feelings originated, instead look toward The One who can release you from the weight of these emotions. {The
Biblical Reference:
The need for Christ’s death on the cross WAS JUSTICE, to erase the desire/need for justice is dismiss the magnitude of our sin, the magnificence of Christ’s sacrifice and redemptive work on the cross, but also part of God’s very character (see Deut. 32:4, “the Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; a God of faithfulness and without injustice, righteous and upright is He.”) In other words, we cannot only trust God to act justly, but His very essence is just.
Counseling Perspective:
As image bearers of God’s character (see Gen 1:26-27, Col. 3:10, James 3:9), I believe we can conclude that we were designed to also desire justice.
However, a great dilemma unfolds here in that we are only image bearers of God, not God Himself. Therefore, desire justice – YES. Request justice – absolutely. Determine what is just – too great a task. Take justice into your own hands – leads only to greater sin. Release and trust justice into God’s sovereign control and righteous character – the only way we are freed from anger, bitterness, hostility, self-righteousness, and/or entitlement. {The
So to bring this response to a close, I believe it is not only possible but necessary for one to walk in forgiveness (even release the “right” for justice or recompense to occur) and yet desire justice. Because, forgiveness and justice are two separate issues, acknowledging our need/desire for justice is not only healthy but reality, and desiring justice is a reflection of God’s character in us.
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. ~ Phil 4:8-9
May we NEVER stop desiring justice!
