Day 16 - The Archers: just an everyday story of countryfolk - or is it?

Those of you who are avid listeners of The Archers on BBC Radio 4 will be familiar with the current George Grundy storyline. For those not so familiar, let me enlighten you!

George, son of Will and Emma Grundy, has had a troubled time following his release from prison. George has served a twelve-month sentence having been convicted of dangerous driving and covering up his involvement. The ‘victims’ of his actions were fellow villagers in the village of Ambridge, some of whom were injured in the incident. Without giving too much detail, what is interesting here, is the way those in the village have responded to George personally following his release and return to the community. Whilst some (including the Vicar) have acknowledged that George has done ‘time’ for the crime and should be supported to reintegrate back into community life, others have responded not so favourably. Some have been extremely dismissive and angry towards him, shunning him as a ‘bad lot.’ Others sit on the fence, keeping quiet their true feelings. The rest are more accepting and want to give him a chance to make amends and start afresh. This includes his family.

The storyline is evolving and George himself is desperate to reconcile himself with others and be usefully employed but the negativity shown towards him is taking its toll. “Give it time, lad” his father keeps repeating. George is repentant for his actions and is mindful of the pain and distress this has caused.

We may feel a sense of justice being done when perpetrators of a crime have been punished for their misdemeanours, but beyond that what does it mean for us as Christians? Are we being ‘just’ in our reactions, responses and treatment of those who have genuinely paid the price, done time and repented of their wrongdoing? All of us have fallen short of God’s glory but God’s gracious love and compassion have through Jesus’s sacrifice paid the price for our sins.

From a mindfulness perspective let us think carefully and be aware of those around us who need a second chance. Mindfulness and justice are deeply interconnected. You may have heard the term ‘restorative justice.’ In schools it is used to resolve conflict between children – to raise awareness of feelings when hurt has been caused. It is focused on repairing the harm caused by wrongdoing, emphasising accountability, community involvement and the needs of victims and offenders.

How do we as Christians embrace justice and our reaction to it?

In our relationships, there are times when restoration is needed. Giving someone the opportunity to put things right is about grace, love and compassion. We all make mistakes, and part of our spiritual journey is learning how to navigate those errors with love and understanding. The Bible teaches us that grace is abundant; it is not just given to us but also something we are called to give to others, especially when they have faltered. Jesus on many occasions met with those who had been written off by others. Take Zacheus for example. Through Jesus, Zacheus turned his life around and put right the wrong he had done. When we choose to restore relationships instead of severing them, we align ourselves with God’s loving nature and His desire for us to be unified with others.

“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’” - Matthew 18:21-22

“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult.” - 1 Peter 3:8-9

Cathryn Clarke