Justice in Healing
And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. And beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Colossians 3:12-14
Justice often gets in the way of forgiveness and is revealed by bitterness in our lives.
It is forgiveness alone that can break the chains of injustice and gives us the possibility of a new future-a future unchained from the past and free of bitterness. Brian Rahnd
We have an innate sense of justice that wants or demands us to handle our sins and the sins of others. We want (or at least we think we want) justice! The problem is it’s impossible to forgive as long as we demand justice from ourselves or others. There are too many instances and circumstances where justice in our lifetimes will not be recognized or we are too broke to pay it.
We need a foundation by which we can accept and forgive our enemies and not violate our sense of justice. Malcolm Smith
Our foundation as followers of Jesus, His death, resurrection, and ascension accomplished our justification. “He who was delivered up because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.” Romans 4:25
So, the basis of the forgiveness we receive and give is the justice that is found through the ransom Jesus Christ paid. We no longer wait for justice to be forgiven or to forgive. Justice lives.
No longer must we keep ourselves or others chained by unforgiveness. Part of healing is being set free. Our new bond is one of unity!
In what ways are you allowing your innate desire for justice to keep you from accepting or giving forgiveness?
If you have recognized bitterness with others, ask for the revelation of who you need to forgive to be healed of the jaundice of bitterness.
Lord, You are justice. You became our justice and therefore our justification. May we be as liberal in our giving forgiveness as You are knowing that justice lives. Amen