“A policy of 'forgive and forget' can produce lasting harm on the political level as well as the personal. Peace without justice is an illusory peace that sets the stage for vengeful behavior later on. The strength to persevere in the struggle is found in knowing that the wounds remaining in human society after great atrocities are the wounds of Christ himself, now risen and reigning but still the Lamb standing yet slain (Rev. 5:6). The wrath of God, which plays such a large role in both the Old and New Testaments, can be embraced because it comes wrapped in God's mercy. . . . The wrath of God falls upon God himself, by God's own choice, out of God's own love. The 'justice connection' may not be clear to those who are accustomed to privilege, but to oppressed and suffering Christians in the troubled places of the earth, there is no need to spell it out. God in Christ on the cross has become one with those who are despised and outcast in the world. No other method of execution that the world has ever known could have established this so conclusively.” LoveGodJusticeMercy Book:The Crucifixion: Understanding the Death of Jesus Christ Source: The Crucifixion: Understanding the Death of Jesus Christ
“The well-known passage in Micah 6:8 ('does the Lord require of you . . . ?') declares that justice and mercy are two foundational aspects of God's character. . . . forgiveness is by no means as simple or expeditious as is often suggested; it is a complex and demanding matter. The question of forgiveness and compensation really should not be discussed apart from the question of justice.” LoveGodJusticeForgivenessMercy Book:The Crucifixion: Understanding the Death of Jesus Christ Source: The Crucifixion: Understanding the Death of Jesus Christ