Foolish Compassion

As everyone is well aware by now, the man charged with arson over the Churchhill fire is probably the most disliked person in Victoria. Here is yet another example of poor journalism, the court has ordered his identity be protected yet the media in all their wisdom pretty much hand him to the public on a silver platter guiding them to sites like facebook and myspace where his picture and details are in full view.

Greg Barnes who is a human rights lawyer has criticized the media saying not only have they hurt his opportunity of getting a fair trial and possibly destroying the investigation all together but he has been horrified at how this tragedy has brought out the worst in Australians. He said with every tragedy you get to see the best and the worst in human nature. While the best has been seen, yes we are seeing the worst with the reaction to accused arsonists with hateful threats of violence and suggestions on how we should treat such people.

Well I have a suggestion, how about we treat such people with compassion? I don’t mean we ignore the actions or even that they shouldn’t face justice, but no amount of revenge or hate will reverse or the circumstances or satisfy hurt and anger. Revenge is not justice, it’s just another crime.

I suggest compassion because it was to choice of Jesus to act with compassion towards people. Sure Jesus got angry at circumstances but never did he seek revenge. He urged his followers to do outrageous things like love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. Jesus’ sermon on the mount is probably the most famous yet outrageous sermon recorded in his ministry. It’s a mission statement for his ministry and his suggested way of life. While a natural reaction to anger and feelings of injustice is to react and get even, the Jesus model is quite the opposite.

Christians are called to stand for far reaching love, outrageous grace and foolish compassion. It may not make sense but it is the only alternative to a world of people who still insist of solving problems with revenge attacks, violence and getting even. In all of human history these methods we insist on are yet to be fruitful and work. So as a Christian, a follower of Jesus I join the voice of many who have gone before me and ask that you tune in to the values of the kingdom of God try a method that takes patience and understanding.

True compassion comes from a changed heart, one moved with pity for a person who finds themselves in a tragic place, either by their own doing or through some other circumstance. Have compassion and let the justice system determine the punishment.

Shalom Mark