Restorative justice is an approach to justice that focuses on repairing the harm caused by crime and conflict. It aims to bring together all those affected by an offense to identify how people were hurt, who should be held accountable, and how amends can be made. Restorative justice seeks to heal victims, rehabilitate offenders, and restore peace to communities. Though the modern restorative justice movement emerged in the 1970s, the principles of restorative justice have deep biblical roots.
The Bible emphasizes justice, repentance, forgiveness, and restoration throughout its pages. While retributive justice focuses on punishing offenders, restorative justice focuses on restoring right relationships. The prophets called for justice rolled down like waters (Amos 5:24). Jesus taught us to forgive without limit (Matthew 18:21-22) and seek reconciliation with one another (Matthew 5:23-24). The apostles instructed Christians to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), confess sins to each other (James 5:16), and make peace (Romans 12:18). These and many other biblical principles align with the tenets of restorative justice.
Here are some of the key ways the Bible speaks about principles of restorative justice:
1. Focusing on repairing harm rather than simply punishing offenses
Restorative justice emphasizes addressing the needs of victims and repairing harm over simply punishing offenders. Similarly, the Bible calls for justice that restores and reconciles rather than only retributive justice. When the Israelites sinned, God called them to return to him and change their ways more than he punished them (Jeremiah 7:3-7). When the woman caught in adultery was brought before Jesus, he showed her grace and told her to sin no more rather than condemning her (John 8:1-11). Paul exhorted the Ephesians to thieves to steal no longer but to work honestly instead (Ephesians 4:28). These examples showcase justice that seeks rehabilitation and restoration over condemnation.
2. Accountability for harm caused
Central to restorative justice is holding offenders accountable and getting them to understand the impact of their actions. The Bible supports accountability and making amends. When the tax collector Zacchaeus repented, he committed to repaying those he had defrauded fourfold (Luke 19:8). Paul instructed thieves to not only stop stealing but to also work hard so they can give to those in need (Ephesians 4:28). Restitution was an element of Old Testament law requiring compensation for crimes like theft or property damage (Exodus 22:1-15). These principles acknowledge that true repentance involves accountability and making things right.
3. Focus on forgiveness and reconciliation
Forgiveness is key in restorative justice. The Bible strongly emphasizes forgiveness while also encouraging change. Jesus told Peter to forgive without limit (Matthew 18:21-22). Paul urged the Corinthians to forgive and comfort one who had caused sorrow (2 Corinthians 2:7). Christians are called to forgive others as God has forgiven them (Colossians 3:13). Forgiveness alone, however, is not the end goal. True reconciliation requires repentance and change in addition to forgiveness. John the Baptist called for repentance and forgave those who repented and changed their ways (Luke 3:3-14). Biblical restoration requires both genuine apology and forgiveness to reconcile relationships.
4. Involving victims, offenders, and community
Restorative justice brings together victims, offenders, and community to address harms. Similarly, the Bible gives principles for resolving conflicts as a community. Jesus gave instructions for addressing sins against us, first one on one, then through witnesses, then through the church (Matthew 18:15-20). Paul chastised the Corinthians for handling disputes through secular courts rather than within the church (1 Corinthians 6:1-8). In addition to individual forgiveness, the early church also exercised communal discipline, accountability, and restoration of repentant offenders (2 Corinthians 2:5-11). Biblically, justice was not merely an individual matter but a communal concern.
5. Focus on repentance and changed behavior
True restorative justice involves repentance and changed behavior, not just apologies or punishment. The prophets continually called Israel to repentance that would be evidenced through changed ways of living. Ezekiel 18 makes clear that true repentance involves turning from wickedness and replacing it with righteous behavior. When John the Baptist called people to repent, he told them to bear fruit in keeping with repentance by sharing clothes and food, refraining from extortion, and acting justly (Luke 3:10-14). Biblical repentance requires changed attitudes and behavior, not mere words.
6. Healing and restoration for all involved
In restorative justice, the needs of victims take priority, but the aim is healing and restoration for all involved including victims, community, and offenders. The Bible focuses greatly on healing those who have suffered injustice while also emphasizing leaving room for hope and redemption for offenders. Jesus regularly healed victims of injustice in society while also being a friend of sinners who needed restoration (Luke 5:29-32). Though sin’s consequences cannot be ignored, the central aim is breaking cycles of harm through healing and restored relationships.
7. Justice as right relationships
Ultimately, restorative justice seeks right relationships and communal harmony. More than enforcing laws or satisfying retribution, justice in the Bible moves toward right relationships with God, others, and creation. Micah 6:8 sums up justice as acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God. Paul wrote that love fulfills the law (Romans 13:8) and the Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy (Romans 14:17). Justice is centered in relationships reflecting God’s love, mercy and care for all.
In summary, though the modern approach of restorative justice uses different language and processes than the ancient biblical texts, its core values and aims have strong theological roots. As an approach to justice-seeking that emphasizes restoration over retaliation, restorative justice closely aligns with the redemptive arc of Scripture. From divine calls for repentance and reconciliation to Jesus’ teachings on forgiveness and making peace, the Bible offers relevant principles for this alternative approach to justice.
Ultimately, Christians seek justice that restores because all people are made in God’s image and, like the lost sheep or prodigal son, matter to God and deserve the chance to be found and restored from harm. Though no human approach fully achieves God’s perfect justice and shalom, a restorative framework centered in reconciliation and redemption reflects important biblical themes of justice, repentance, and restoration of relationships.