Law enforcement is the term used for organized activities to enforce law by discovering, deterring, rehabilitating, or punishing people who violate the rules and norms governing that society. The society is often reactive to the issues we see and hardly proactive in finding sustainable solutions. The other observation I would like to make is that we have a natural tendency to side with the victim and be tough on the offender. How did Jesus deal with this dilemma?
Restorative justice:
From Luke 18:35 to 19:9 we come across a story where Jesus on his way to Jericho meets two special individuals, first the blind beggar and then Zacchaeus the tax collector. We can notice from a societal point of view that one was an oppressed and the other was an oppressor. What amazes me is the fact that Jesus sees the need in both the oppressed as well as the oppressor, and he approaches them with genuine love and compassion. Jesus knew that even the oppressor needed freedom. By the end of the story, we see both the lives changed for better. I am sure Jesus did not make a popular choice in reaching out to the oppressor, but the self-giving love of Jesus brought Zacchaeus out from his own imprisonment and even catalyzed a crazier response by giving back to the society! This is a great lesson Jesus taught us all on restorative justice.
An offender is a victim too:
When we think of law enforcement, we understand it is a system established to have control over moral choices citizens make, instate sanctions for broken conduct, and a fear factor to impose discipline. In other words, it is a system that keeps a check on our behavior. What we fail to understand is behavior is just the tip of the iceberg, which is seen on the surface. But what we fail to recognize is the belief, value and attitude that contribute to an individual’s behavior but often remains under the surface. And these beliefs, values and attitudes must have been shaped by people and situations over a long period of time. Can also agree with the fact that an oppressor can be a victim too, given the fact that it is to an extent society’s failure to have a healthier influence?
A two-fold recommendation:
a. Our response to wards injustices must be comprehensive and Christ-centric, informed by moral principles. Every individual requires a chance. Everyone needs genuine love. Can we be the agent of genuine love even to those who offend the society?
b. Secondly, it is inevitable that we invest in the lives of the younger generation through inculcating good values in them so that they grow up to become better humans. Can we help build a healthier and a safer tomorrow by working with the young people? This is more of a sustainable way of proactively building the society.
A note to all parents and teachers:
It is at home the child is taught the magical words – good afternoon, please, you are welcome, sorry, and thank you. Furthermore, it is at home they are taught to be honorable, tell the truth, come on time, be diligent, to respect their friends, elders and all teachers. At home you are taught to be clean, taught to be organized, take care of your possessions, and not touch others’. In school the upbringing at home by the parent(s) is strengthened.
Prayer
Dear God, you asked us to visit the prisoners because you are one of them, but we have been neglecting our children that they become prisoners of unjust practices. Guide us to parent our children so that, tomorrows world will be a better place for all. Amen.
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Author: Matt Nathaniel About the Author: Matt is currently working as the Asia Regional Director, Saving Moses - A Global Humanitarian Charity.
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