February 8, 2025 Daily Dose of Discernment

Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. (Galatians 6:1)

The old primitives did more to their offenders than what they suffered from them. Moses' provision of an eye for an eye somehow tempered that. It was a step, although just one of a thousand, toward attaining divine justice and mercy. God's people were also barbarians before He called them and they did not shake off their inhumane culture overnight. Even the Medieval Church displayed this ancient attocity. Today, Jesus' teachings have come a long way in influencing humanity. Even if we still embrace a life for a life kind of justice, at least in many cases the methods of execution is humane. Still, we still have a long way to go.

So as Christians, like our Lord we should practicing the virtues of gentle ness and mercy toward our offenders. Let us remember that kindness is God's way of getting people to change their ways (Romans 2:4), not harshness.