I spend a lot of time talking about compassion, empathy, and acceptance. I define myself by these actions, interchangeable with my core values. My aspirations, as good and noble as they might be, often find themselves at odd with the reality of living. I like and crave justice! If I have been wronged or slighted, my heart responds with a cry that someone take action on my behalf. In the absence of others, my demand goes directly to God! Someone needs to do something.
The cry for justice is never new. Individuals, weak and strong, have cried out for God to take action. Each wants to know that “those who are trying to kidnap my soul will be embarrassed and lose face, So anyone who gets a kick out of making me miserable will be heckled and disgraced.” (Psalm 40.14) It is a cry that echoes across history.
I have been struck by the irony of justice. After it is met, what next? The angst is still raging within. The pain inflicted by my enemies and the careless one is still fresh. The hurt I felt deep within remains. While I know that others have paid for what they have done, I am left with the same choice I had when the pain was inflicted. What comes next?
I cannot speak for you. I can tell you that the recurring points I come to is the same.
I do hear a call to be the hand of justice very often. Maybe it is not my strength or temperament. Whatever the reason, when others hurt me, everything within me reminds me that justice is best handed out by someone divine.
The “what is next” question is an important one. Delaying the answer hurts everyone, starting with me. We are called to live! Every moment spent in the past is one lost to the present.
I believe we are part of a bigger story. I find it impossible to hold onto pain and live. Letting go of the injustice is the first step in moving forward.
