I once asked one of my mentors’ wife, a federal prosecutor who handled organized crime cases about the role of forgiveness in law enforcement.  (My mentor taught me such gems referring to women such as “It’s not over till the ring is on the finger” “You can still score on a goalie” and after asking him whether one should date someone with baggage, “Date the one you love.”)

Anyway, she replies that forgiveness has no place in law enforcement – its role is to protect, prosecute, and punish.  On the most part, I agree.  There is also the role of restorative justice and restitution, but I know this is extremely difficult to implement especially in the US system.

I’m probably one of the last people to comment on forgiveness.  To me, it’s one of the main reasons why I would consider converting.  Not really my cup of tea, especially when the one who needs forgiving is somehow still standing, gloating, and thriving.  I once had a case where a convicted murderer refused to take responsibility – blaming the victim at sentencing and then on appeal.

I find many of the reasons for forgiveness to be pretty unpersuasive – vengeance is God’s, I’m a sinner too, it’s for peace of mind, forgive or else I won’t be forgiven, etc.

For me, it’s much less complicated.  It’s just too tiring to carry all of that around.  I’m just lazy.  Whether God or the wind exacts vengeance, it doesn’t really matter.  I have a ton of things to teach the kids, Netflix to watch, and coffee to drink.

Don’t get me wrong, forgiveness doesn’t negate the need for the pursuit of justice.  Unfortunately, I’ve seen it used as a cowardly excuse not to do so.  Neutralize the threat to protect and then leave room for forgiveness.