By Harold Dean Trulear, Associate Professor and Director, Black Congregations Resource Center Howard University School of Divinity Washington, D.C.
“Happy are those who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times.”
– Psalm 106:3, NRSV
“We will bring those responsible to justice!”
We often hear this declaration from government officials, law enforcement and military leaders. However, this form of “justice” typically refers to retributive justice, focused on punishment. Yet, justice in God’s kingdom
is also restorative, aiming to hold wrongdoers accountable while fostering healing and reconciliation that restores community. The God of Psalm 106 embodies this restorative justice. The psalmist records God’s acts of justice
as expressions of faithfulness that seek to bring God’s people back into relationship, balancing accountability with mercy, underscoring Israel’s need for transformation alongside God’s enduring commitment to restoration.
“Save us, O LORD our God,” the psalmist cries in verse 47, a plea for a nation needing God’s restoring justice. “Gather us … to give thanks to Your holy name, to triumph in Your praise” (NKJV). This justice is not about revenge; it is about restoring right relationship between God and God’s people. As we seek justice in our world—especially racial justice—do our cries echo this divine vision? Are we committed to mending broken relationships, or do we fall into the trap of vengeance and division? Are we working to become agents of mercy, seeking justice that builds community and restores dignity to all?
In the struggle for racial justice, we must remember that reconciliation requires a desire for change. But just as God continually offers mercy, we too can take the first step. Let our pursuit of justice be grounded in God’s steadfast love and mercy, as the psalmist reminds us: “Oh, give thanks unto the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” May our justice work embody this enduring mercy, calling us to a justice that heals, restores and reflects God’s love for all creation.
JUSTICE NOTE
Restorative justice is a transformative approach to addressing harm that emphasizes repairing the damage caused by wrongdoing through inclusive, dialogic processes. Unlike traditional punitive systems, restorative justice centers on the needs of those most directly impacted— victims, offenders and their communities—working collaboratively to foster accountability, healing and reconciliation. This approach prioritizes understanding and making amends over punishment.
Several organizations are actively advancing restorative justice principles and practices:
– The National Center on Restorative Justice (NCORJ): https://ncorj.org
– The Center for Justice Innovation: Learn more: www.innovatingjustice.org
– Restorative Justice International: Learn more: www.restorativejusticeinternational.com