URC Daily Devotion 15 November 2024

Proverbs 21: 15 
 
When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers. 
 
Reflection 
 
We are passionate about justice; we have boycotted Nestle, promoted Fair Trade, and given money through our Commitment for Life programme to help various projects around the world.  We look at social issues through justice-tinted spectacles and we’ve more than a few judges, sheriffs, and magistrates amongst us.  What might justice look like as we think about safeguarding?   
 
First, justice allows the truth to be told and the victim to be believed – often after silencing and marginalising behaviour.  For any victim of crime, the fact they are believed – and that the state not only hears them but punishes the perpetrator – can be very powerful.  Where the Church offers unconditional love and a listening ear we can help.   When the punishment does not fit the crime, when the perpetrator is acquitted, and where victims are disbelieved or silenced great harm can be done too.  Local congregations can support those who must give evidence to face cross examination and the fear of not being believed through loving presence and prayer.  Belief brings healing. 
 
Secondly, the Church must, in all humility, really think about what justice might mean in a broader context.  How do we speak for victims who should get compensation for institutional failures?  How do we hold ourselves to account for our failings? How do we support perpetrators to understand newly exposed truths about themselves?  How might we lovingly hold those to account who cannot see their errors?   
 
Justice is more than punishment (important though that is) but also comprises restitution and renewal.  Too often the Church races to renewal without fully thinking about punishment and restitution.  Pray today for all those within the Church who must ponder how justice might bring joy to the righteous and terror to the evil doer.    
 
Prayer 
 
O God You hear the cries of the wounded,
the rage of the abused,
and the blame shifting of the perpetrator. 
Help Your Church do justice, 
that through loving listening, justice seeking, 
and courageous speaking 
we may bring Your healing.  Amen