Love and Justice: A Christian Perspective on Criminal Justice

In our everyday lives, we don’t often hear much about criminal justice from the pulpit. However, as Christians, our faith extends to all areas of life, including how we understand and engage with issues of justice. In Luke 10, Jesus challenges us to look beyond ourselves and embrace the radical love and justice that should shape our worldview—especially when it comes to those who are most vulnerable and in need of help.

1. The Call to Love: A Foundation for Justice

To be a Christian is to love. Jesus' command in the Gospels is clear: love God completely, and love your neighbors as yourself (Matthew 22:37-40). But what does this love look like in action? It’s not just about loving those who are easy to love. It extends to those we might avoid or find difficult to care for. Jesus himself calls us to love not only our "king and countrymen" but also those who are different, those on the margins, and even those who have wronged us. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus shifts the narrative. A lawyer, seeking to justify himself, asks, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus responds with a story of a man who is beaten and left for dead. A priest and a Levite pass by, but a Samaritan—someone considered an enemy by the Jewish people—stops, shows mercy, and cares for the man. Jesus doesn’t ask, "Who is your neighbor?" He asks, "Which of these three was a neighbor?" (Luke 10:36). The answer is simple: the one who showed mercy.

2. Justice as an Act of Love

Love and justice are deeply intertwined. As Christians, we are called to seek justice for all, especially those who are oppressed or marginalized. Leviticus 19:18 reminds us, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” but it doesn’t stop there. This love also calls for justice: “You shall not do injustice in court” (Leviticus 19:15). Legal justice is not just a matter of law but a matter of love. Augustine once said, “Justice is love ruling well.” To be just is to act out of love, ensuring that everyone receives what they are due—whether it's protection, care, or accountability. In the criminal justice system, love means seeking accuracy and fairness, ensuring that no one is falsely accused, and that the punishment fits the crime.

3. The Role of Accuracy in Justice

For love to be truly realized in the criminal justice system, accuracy is essential. Inaccurate verdicts—whether they wrongly convict or exonerate—fail to reflect the love of God. According to Augustine, “The love we should show to others by bringing justice should be brought to everyone.” As Christians, we should advocate for a fair and accurate legal process.

Sadly, the current system in the United States isn’t always just or accurate. Over 3,600 people have been exonerated after wrongful convictions, and a record number of exonerations occurred in 2022. Factors like inadequate defense for the poor and hidden evidence of innocence contribute to these injustices. As followers of Christ, we must care about these neighbors. We are called to cross the road and act when we see injustice.

4. Action Steps for Christians

1. Advocate for Fairness: We have the power to influence the criminal justice system through voting and advocacy. Speak out for reforms that ensure fairness, transparency, and accuracy.
2. Support the Marginalized: Be intentional about helping those who are disadvantaged in the justice system, especially the poor and vulnerable.
3. Educate Yourself: Learn about the flaws in the criminal justice system and how we can work toward a more just society.
4. Pray for Justice: Pray for those who are wrongfully convicted and for the integrity of those who work within the legal system.

Conclusion

As Christians, we must see love and justice as intertwined. The criminal justice system should not merely punish but seek to restore, protect, and love all individuals—especially the most vulnerable. Jesus calls us to be neighbors to those in need, showing mercy to those who cross our paths, even if they are different from us. Let us reflect God’s love and justice in all that we do, especially in the pursuit of fairness in the criminal justice system.

“Justice is love ruling well.” — Augustine