Justice and forgiveness are generally viewed both as tools and attitudes of benign individuals and organizations. And yet, they are complete opposites.
Justice- the administering of deserved punishment or reward
Forgiveness- to grant pardon, absolve
So why do we as people view justice and forgiveness as two tools of righteousness? What makes us think that justice is anything more than glorified revenge? Justice is perhaps humanity’s way of trying to keep itself clean, and trying to encourage good behavior; to keep itself up to a moral standard. This purpose seems right, but who delivers justice? Is there some greater part of humanity that does us this favor? Who brings them justice? Even if there was, it wouldn’t quite matter, as everyone deals their own justice. And all of us obviously have different perspectives, and so all different views of justice. And each one of us deals our version of justice to those we think deserve it. Are we righteous in doing so?
To be fair, is forgiveness not just glorified wimpiness? It allows those who cause unrest and commit vile acts to go unpunished. It allows them the opportunity to indulge in criminal activity again and again. Therefore, instead of sending the message that righteousness be upheld, the message is sent that it is okay. But if everyone held to forgiveness, there would be no one to commit criminal acts. And moreover, forgiveness is a harder idea and action to get the mind used to, and I’ve always had the impression that things that use more effort are perhaps more worthwhile. Forgiveness puts an end to revenge. So is forgiveness the greatest of all good action, or is justice?
Is justice a wolf dressed in grandma’s clothes, or is forgiveness simply being irresponsible? I’m not totally sure which is the correct course of action, or if discretion should be used between them. I don’t know if there is a happy medium. I do however, lean toward forgiveness.
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