It’s Monday. I’m moving slow. I’m trying to get my work done in the most efficient way possible. I’m sitting in my classroom, working; but also listening to the class that’s taking place. Senior English, filled with a bunch of students who I love dearly and who frustrate me just as much.
Their conversation is on justice and revenge, based out of their current reading of the book “Flight“. The question posed to the class is about what constitutes justice, and if/when you should pursue revenge…or the idea of “an eye for an eye”.
Most students are explaining why they would pursue revenge and why revenge could be a form of justice. And then I hear this comment:
“If somebody killed my mom, justice for me would be forgiveness. If I pursued revenge, I would still have greed and hate in my heart and I wouldn’t feel right; so I feel that the ultimate justice is for me to forgive them.”
The emotion that I felt as I processed that statement, and what it meant was overwhelming. As I thought about that statement, my eyes welled up with tears. In a culture that promotes “an eye for an eye” and always getting even as a means of getting ahead; I praise God for students who know and understand the essence of love and forgiveness.
Out of the mouths of babes…
Peace and blessings…
