Rich Dixon is thinking about perspective.

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One last lesson from the second FREEDOM TOUR – a little bit of theology can lead to hurt feelings.

It was my first attempt at leading a group discussion about justice for the kids at the Home of Hope.

We read Micah 6:8:

  And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
    and to walk humbly with your God.

I described “justice” from Jesus’ perspective. He came to set things right, to put them back as God intended. And he invited us to join Him.

But I forgot that to a victim of abuse, “set things right” might sound like just another hollow platitude, an excuse to allow their abuser to avoid accountability.

I forgot that a victim might still be angry, might not welcome a nice, neat theological discussion about abuse, might perceive “set things right” as a lack of understanding. I forgot that a small bit of correct theology offered without context, without empathy, can hurt.

I hope I don’t ever shy away from speaking truth about this difficult subject, but…

I forgot to think about people and relationships first.

More next time…