The usual reflexive response of the injured is to hope for justice to be rained down on the offender. If the offended’s hope is realized, proper consequences are borne and penalties are meted out. Still, the question needs to be asked, “Is there a more right, right?”
Justice brings about the most appropriate consequences to the wrongdoer; but it is a poor repairman. While it is often a needful step on the way to the wholeness that can be achieved, by itself it cannot fix what has been broken. When justice abides alone, the offended is still unresolved in their soul and the offended is now experiencing more pain. This is an altogether unsatisfactory conclusion to yesterday’s conflict.
Reconciliation is the best repair for relationships marred by offense and pain. It’s primary ingredients: mercy and forgiveness, are essential to advancing hope in the offender and the offended.
It can create tension between hated rivals, make friends from enemies, and turn adversaries into advocates.
Black folks, let’s not allow justice to be lonely. Let us intentionally partner our painful relational past with reconciliation so that healing begins in America.
Want to read more? Well, you're in luck! Bishop Brett Fuller wrote a book titled "Dreaming in Black and White" with more where this came from. You can purchase it at our Resource Center and Online at Barnes and Noble or Amazon.
