Where’s Justice?

I think we are designed to want justice. I do think there are an awful lot of people who have no concept of justice. But I still think that was our original design. Somewhere, deep inside, we cry, “Where’s Justice?”

Social Media?

As I scroll through my social media choices, I am struck by the diversity of the stories. My contacts are passionate people. We care about people, so there are always stories about people. Few animals show up on my newsfeed. We are sharing mostly about the need for justice or the results of justice.

Stories of abuse and violence are common on my feed. I pray through most of the time. Sometimes, I think it is easy to be disconnected while reading, watching, even listening online. Empathy has to reach a little further. The screen creates distance. Sometimes we need it. The horrific stuff that happens to people is overwhelming without being immersed in the situation.

I wrote about the Silverback Incident the other day. People by the hundreds of thousands were riled enough to actually put their names on a petition calling for justice for the gorilla. The headlines said: “Gorilla Killed”, instead of “Child Rescued.” “Child Rescued” wouldn’t have incited the reactions. It doesn’t sound like injustice. It probably wouldn’t have gone viral either.

Next a story about a man who was beaten to death in his prison cell. He was sentenced for beating an infant to death. People’s reactions were mostly that of, “He got what he deserved.” A few people said both instances were tragic.

Another was that a man who had beaten his wife’s attacker to death was charged with manslaughter. In that case, his wife had called during the attack and he came in while it was in progress. He got the attacker off his wife. He should be lauded as a hero, but he’s being charged with a crime? That is idiotic!

Experience Teaches

When I was a child, my sister and I plotted our father’s death. He had done unspeakable things to us and others that we knew of. I never even thought about turning him in to police. That was not the place to get justice, in my mind. I think a lot of women think like that. That’s why we don’t tell people of an attack.

We want justice. Deep down, we all want justice. Many of us don’t have a clue how to get it or what it really means. Would it have been just for us to kill our father? This is the stuff of ethics courses all over the world.

I have decided to trust God for justice. That doesn’t mean I don’t fight for justice at every chance I get. If I think there has been injustice, I do whatever I can in my own limited capacity. Abortion is a grave injustice, as is sex trafficking and euthanasia. I write and speak to expose these things. I give what help I can to organizations that offer solutions. Still my heart cries, “Where’s Justice in our world?”

Justice, but not Vengeance

That’s where I think a lot of people miss it. I think people want vengeance. The parents of the child that fell into the gorilla’s enclosure were threatened mercilessly. It’s not that they threw him in or in any way enticed that behavior, but that the people had mistaken vengeance for justice. They are calling it justice, but there is no equity in that. The gorilla was an animal, not a person. Some called for shooting the parents. How absurd? That wouldn’t have rescued the boy. It wouldn’t have saved the gorilla. It is purely an emotional outburst to no good end.

As for the man beaten to death in prison, he had done to him as he had done. Whole ethics classes are spent on things like this.

I get angry, but I try to pause and ask myself, “Where’s justice in this situation?” Sometimes it won’t come until Judgement Day. Then, it will all get sorted out. For now, I keep my peace by trusting Him.