We can (and should) Forgive Even Politicians

My town is experiencing a bit of a crisis as a politician has admitted to a lapse in judgement in using the Library credit card for his personal, quite prolific spending habits.  He has apologized and claims to have repaid all money owing, although new revelations are breathlessly reported in the mainstream media daily.

He's taking quite a hard knock in the social media.  He's young, ambitious and frankly, a nice guy.  Well connected and savvy, he's respected (or until now, he was.)

Elected officials have the expectation to intense scrutiny but no person should reasonably have to endure what this young man is going through.  Criticism, disappointment, even anger; these are understandable reactions on the part of his constituents.

Glee at his plight, unwarranted speculation borne of malice and nurtured by ignorance, and attacks on his character are not Christian, not helpful and certainly not what we would wish on ourselves or a family member.

The councilman will answer for his error and decide if he'd like to finish his term, provided he is not found guilty of a crime (at this point there do not appear to be charges pending).   After that, it's up to the electorate if his political career continues or ends, if he decides to run.

A little forgiveness and a whole lot of prayer on his behalf is what he needs from us in the meantime.  There but for the grace of God go any of us.  Christ knows how difficult it is to endure such public humiliation.

No really; Christ knows.

Judge Not

It happened one day in 1969 in West Germany, on a bus filled with boy scouts on a way to a jamboree, we happened into the middle of a protest that had all the signs of developing into a riot.  The hippies, as we knew them to be, surrounded our bus.  My father, the scout leader in charge, told us to press our Canadian flags against the windows.  Badges, sashes, small flags, whatever we had.  We passed in peace.  The prevailing and unsubstantiated wisdom of the day was that Canadians would never encounter harm in Europe not because of our home and native citizenship, but because we weren't American.

Be that as it may, recently in Canada we have had our share of riots first in Vancouver after the Stanley Cup final, and then on March 17 in London, Ontario during the celebration of the life and good works of an Irish saint.  A disquieting trend has emerged, and I speak not of the rioting itself nor of recognizing sainthood by exhibiting decidedly unsaintly behaviour.

In both instances the community has been quick to judge based on videos and pictures.  Alleged rioters are being threatened and hounded, as though merely being photographed taking a big-screen TV through a broken store window or taking a two-by-four to a police vehicle is proof of complicity.  It may well be, but that is for the court to decide.

There is no justice in rushing to judgement.  Offer the evidence if you have it, share the incriminating social media, and then let the system prove guilt and mete out punishment, correction and restitution.

"Vengeance is mine, says the Lord."  Romans 12:19  Vigilante retribution is as bad and perhaps worse than the alleged illegal behaviour it seeks to punish.