Retributive and Restorative Justice.
These are big words but what do they mean?
When someone does wrong to us often our first reaction is to say, "it's not fair" and we want to make sure we get ‘justice’!
We can fall into thinking that there needs to be a ‘winner’ and a ‘looser. This is retributive justice. It is like a tit for tat game. It often involves fear, anger and punishment.
Can you feel love in this type of justice?
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God’s justice is restorative.
God’s justice is generous, loving, forgiving and merciful.
It makes sure there are no losers, only people who grow in understanding, forgiveness and support for each other.
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It works to restore, to make whole, people and their relationships. It's why Justice and Holiness (wholeness) are such close friends. 
God’s justice requires us to think of others and the world, not just ourselves.
We know God’s justice is working when we see that everything belongs and when we are free to share our whole selves.
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Use this prayer to pray this week as a family.
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God of Justice, it is not enough to just pray to end wars, we need to work to find ways to bring about peace both in our own hearts and with our neighbours. God of Justice, it is not enough to just pray to bring an end to hunger, you have given us more than enough to share, we need to use our resources better. God of Justice, it is not enough to just pray to end prejudice and judgement, you have given us loving hearts and compassionate minds to see the good in everyone. God of Justice, it is not enough to just pray to end hopelessness and poverty, you have given us minds to create better systems and ways of life where everyone can be treated fairly. God of Justice, we pray for the courage to live and act with justice. Amen |
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