Matthew 7:24-27

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.

James 1:22-25

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it – he will be blessed in what he does.

Reflection on application

Throughout the Bible God makes it clear that people should live in accord with certain principles for individual and social good or well being. God gave them to shape and guide us concretely as we live day to day. Jesus affirmed that his followers were to put into practice what he himself taught and lived. Writers of letters in the New Testament echoed Jesus’ emphasis on applied discipleship.

However excellent and attractive the idea of restorative justice appears to be, it is useless unless put into practice. At the conclusion of this study, the vital question is one of application. Now that we understand justice better, how can we (in Micah’s words) do justice? Here are three areas of application that might be considered.

Apply restorative justice when you are in conflict with someone else. You may be the offender or the victim; or perhaps it is not clear which of those roles you fill. Nevertheless, a restorative approach can be useful.

  • Consider how to meet with the other party. Be sure to create an environment that is conducive for effective communication.

  • Invite the other party to discuss this with you, and to design the way the meeting will take place.

  • Both of your should have a chance to explain your perspectives. Listen carefully to the other party as well as describing the facts as you understand them. Describe the feelings that have resulted from those facts.

  • Consider whether there are steps either of you needs to take to make amends. This may be accomplished through apology and forgiveness alone, or in combination with other forms of amends.

  • Decide together on practical steps to take in the future to avoid the problem from reoccurring.

Apply restorative justice when you are part of a group that is in conflict.

In this instance it will be important to identify someone whom everyone trusts who can help you talk with one another. This outside facilitator is not an arbitrator or judge, but someone who can help the group move beyond the impasses it typically faces when it tries to discuss the problem on its own. The process after this is similar to the one just described.

  • Work together with the facilitator to create an environment in which all parties can listen and be heard.

  • Focus on facts and feelings during the conversation, rather than on judgments about the others. One of the purposes of the meeting is to come to a joint understanding of what has happened and what needs to be done, and suspending judgment in order to talk and listen is an important part of that.

  • Note points of agreement about the conflict. Sometimes it is easier to agree on specific matters than on the big issue. For example, someone may have misrepresented the position of one of the people with whom they disagree. Dealing with that may be part of what needs to be done before the group can resolve the larger issue.

  • Work to find a resolution to the larger issue that allows the group as a whole to reconcile with each other. This may involve dealing with the past (making amends of some sort) and planning for how you will work together in the future.

    Consider how an understanding of restorative justice can help you find ways to improve your country’s justice system. Issues to explore include:

  • Are there opportunities for victims and offenders to meet together if they wish to do so? Consider developing a program in which trained facilitators could help with these meetings. You may also have to work with judges, legislators or other officials to identify openings in criminal justice proceedings for these meetings to take place.

  • Do victims and offenders have any say about how their case is handled? Can victims participate in the criminal proceedings in any significant way? Do offenders have opportunities to take responsibility for the harm done to the victim?

  • Are there opportunities for offenders to make amends to their victims? Even when restitution is ordered by the court or decided on by offenders and their victims, an important question is whether the government makes it possible for the offender to actually follow through on the commitment to make amends. For example, a prisoner will have difficulty paying restitution which means that laws may need to be adjusted so that offenders who do not pose a danger in society are not sent to prison, and work is provided inside prison for those who must be there.

  • Do victims and offenders have the help they need to become productive members of their communities? What kinds of services are lacking, and how might they be provided?

    These are just examples of what can emerge if restorative justice principles are used to develop an audit of your own behaviour, of that of groups you are a part of, and of the criminal justice system in your country. 

    Used by permission - www.restorativejustice.org - a ministry of Prison Fellowship International


Last modified: Tuesday, August 14, 2018, 11:19 AM