Can Forgiveness And Justice Coexist?

In the wake of recent events, there has been much discussion on the relationship between forgiveness and justice. Specifically, does forgiveness preclude justice? 

In this essay, I will examine both of these qualities in the light of the Bible and Catholic philosophy. To do so, I will address what forgiveness and justice mean and conclude by asking whether the existence of one entails the exclusion of the other.

What Does It Mean To Forgive?

The Greek etymology of the word forgiveness is illuminating. To forgive is to “let go,” or “release” someone from a debt or obligation. Within the context of moral acts, it follows that forgiveness presupposes that one has engaged in an action or non-action that has incurred a debt owed to another.

It is necessary not to confuse the human act of forgiveness with its Divine counterpart. Human forgiveness is subjective and psychological. As such, it is a conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance toward a person or group who has harmed you, regardless of whether they actually deserve your forgiveness. 

Divine forgiveness is concerned with sin and salvation. Because sin is a deliberate act against the will of God, reparations are due to God alone. Of course, finite humans cannot adequately compensate an infinite God for sin. It is here that we require the salvific work of Christ.

In a sense, the events of the Crucifixion acted not only to effect Divine justice but also made forgiveness possible. This concept has been formulated in various ways, but in essence, Christ’s death on the Cross satisfied Divine justice in relation to original sin. Additionally, because Jesus was the perfect sacrifice, His death merited forgiveness for humanity for those who accept God’s gift of salvation. 

From the Catholic perspective, there is a kind of Divine reciprocity to forgiveness. That is to say that God forgives us in direct proportion to how we forgive others. “But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”

The concept of sin incurring a debt also appears in the secular realm, albeit in an analogical sense. When a person commits a crime, society seeks some type of reparation. This can take the form of monetary payment to the injured party and/or incarceration for the criminal.

The above analogy segues into the question of justice.

What Is Justice?

Justice is the establishing of a right order (whether in an individual or state) whereby God and person are given what each is owed. A thing’s nature dictates what the right order will be. Nevertheless, it is sufficient to say that justice is that virtue in a person or state by which each part performs its natural function.

As a moral virtue, justice is the constant and permanent determination to give everyone his or her rightful due. It is a habitual inclination of the will and therefore always recognizes each one’s rights under any and all circumstances.

As it relates to human beings, justice is most properly effected when human laws reflect natural law. The reason for this is that natural law reflects the eternal law, which is the mind of God. This properly allows God to be the objective standard by which human justice is measured.

Are Both Possible?

It can be convenient to view forgiveness and justice as opposing forces—that to grant one is to deny the other. However, they are not opposites, but somewhat different aspects of the same moral order. Still, we must ask, how can justice be obtained if forgiveness requires a letting go of a wrong committed?

The relationship between forgiveness and justice can be viewed in two ways. The first is to view forgiveness as subjective and psychological, and justice as objective and sociological.

The second way to address the relationship between forgiveness and justice is to see both as being grounded in the theological virtue of love. In a theological and biblical context, love is not the sentimental feeling we generally associate with the word. Rather, love is an act whereby one wills another person’s good. To will another’s good is to desire their flourishing, which includes the restoration of a proper order—the very essence of justice.

Accepting this definition of love enables us to interpret a difficult biblical passage correctly. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.” (See Matthew 5:43-44). We are to will God even on those who hate us.

Despite this, it is essential to recognize that forgiveness without justice is sentimentality and an affront to God, while justice without forgiveness poses a danger to peace. How is the balance between forgiveness and justice maintained?

To forgive does not mean to forget. Instead, it means relinquishing any ill will or hatred toward someone who has caused harm. Forgiveness allows one to move on, which is different from forgetting. It allows one to reach a place where one is not consumed by what has happened, where the other person’s sin no longer controls. Forgiving someone else brings us freedom. 

Finally, forgiveness does not mean that justice should not be sought. The sacrament of confession provides a model for the relationship between forgiveness and justice. 

As all Catholics know, the sacrament of confession entails admitting one’s sins, showing remorse for one’s actions, and expressing a desire to be forgiven. Nevertheless, even after all this, the Catholic is given penance. He is, after a fashion, punished after he is forgiven. The divine justice that condemns is also the love that restores.

Conclusion

It can be convenient to think that we must choose either forgiveness or justice. This position is likely rooted in a mistaken understanding of vengeance and justice. However, as Catholics, we are called to forgive (Matthew 18:21-22) and to seek justice (Matthew 5:6).

In this essay, I have sought to explore these two qualities, suggesting that they are two aspects of the same moral order. As such, the presence of one does not preclude the presence of the other. Indeed, forgiveness is the counter to hatred and allows justice to avoid vengeance. Both are needed if we are to heed God’s word.