Grace

What is culturally acceptable? Many times culture varies from one location to another. Imagine there is a thief who has a stealing problem. What type of punishment would be appropriate? To what extreme can you justify vindication.

Today male ward was home to a thief. He was admitted with various injuries from being beaten. Ther was a ruckus outside the hospital and people were vigorously wanting to continue this mans punishment. Many times, thieves are barbequed—in better terms—taken by the community, doused with kerosene, and lit on fire. If the police had not gotten involved, or if it had been dark, the outcome would have surely been as previously stated. I thought someone was pulling my string, but confirmation was quickly established.

God wants us to love everyone—but I cannot honestly say that was my first instinct upon hearing this man’s situation. He was handcuffed to the bed, and I was full of mixed feelings. I wonder if this man had ever experienced unconditional love. What was his childhood like. Did he have a family? What motivated him to become a thief? How does he feel now? Any sense of remorse? But how could he steal, that is so wrong. He deserves punishment. He also is loved by God. And my mind ran in circles…and circles…and circles.

I decided that I would go over and introduce myself and say have a goodnight in Swahili and God be with you. I felt this strong urge to look him in the eyes and say hello. I wonder if anyone has done that yet.

I found out this morning that he had left the hospital without paying his bill. It appears that he has not learned his lesson, and I worry about his soul. The CEO of the Chimala Mission Hospital was talking about how we are a hospital that shows God’s love and we care for those even when others would not. He was not justifying this man’s actions, he was stating that God loves everyone and cares for everyone. We are to follow Christ’s example.