Justice

On Sundays, I have the privilege of teaching scripture stories and gospel principles to bright, fun-loving 8- and 9-year-old children, one of which is my dd9. Today our lesson was about an influential man who, having used his influence to tear down religious institutions he disagreed with and to persecute those that didn't agree with him, was made comatose by an angelic visitation. He was then given an opportunity to repent--thanks mostly to the prayers of his father--and took it. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, his sins were forgiven, and he was freed of the burden of them.

Several of the children were disappointed that this man was not punished more severely for his misdeeds. Some joined together in chanting that he should have died. Even though the point of the lesson was repentance and forgiveness of sins.

It brought home to me how children understand and want justice to be done. I understand their desire. In the absence of justice, the world is an unpredictable place where the rich and powerful victimize the poor and meek.

In the absence of justice, what is sovereignty but organized robbery?

- Saint Augustine

Still, mercy is just as important. We frequently hear children pouting about "unfairness" but rarely about "unmercifulness." Not having done a lot of bad things themselves in their short, fairly innocent lives, they don't see the value of mercy. I hope I can teach it to them before the year is over. They won't be young forever, and they need to know that God's mercy is just as real as his justice.