Why is it that when I hear of cases of child abuse (both sexual and physical), that I want to retaliate? I have an immediate desire to punish the person who committed such a horrible act. Sometimes I think to myself, it would be nice for that person to go through the same humiliating experiences as perpetrated upon a young person. I found today that I am not alone with those kinds of feelings. After hearing of a terrible case this morning in my Grand Jury, my co-jurors all expressed a desire to do something to the person. Of course, we did not. We just voiced our feelings. I then started to ponder, is this a good reaction I am having? Is it right for me to be so willing to stoop to the same level and wish those same act(s) upon that person? I began to sorrow for having those kinds of feelings. I remembered two scriptures as I pondered about this during the afternoon and early evening following our morning recess.
"Behold what the scripture says—man shall not smite, neither shall he judge; for judgment is mine, saith the Lord, and vengeance is mine also, and I will repay."
"But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea."
I need my heart to change. Why do we do such despicable things to each other? Especially adults to powerless children? I pray that the poor child I heard about today will have a much better life.
2 comments:
I have a very hard time hearing these stories too. Thank you for the scriptures and lots. You are a wonderful dad and person. I love you.
It is hard hearing those stories. I have the same urge, too. Then I remember that even if there is not justice here on earth, there will be justice with God.
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