Both sides in the David Hicks debate have been demanding justice.

Those on the "terrorist needs punishment" side wanted justice for what he's been part of. Those on the "natural justice" side (due process and opportunity to defend yourself) also demanded justice " that it be seen to be done and quickly.

The expectation of justice is hard-wired into us. You hear children say it - "That's not fair!", "I was here first," and "How would you like it if someone did that to you?"

Where does this desire for justice come from? God has hard wired it into us. In some ways this is a continuing pale reflection of God's character. God is just.

All people have some understanding of justice, the flip side being we have an understanding of guilt as well. We all feel guilty. Why? Often it's because we are. We don't live up to our own moral standards, let alone God's. Our own consciences tell us that. That's why so often we try to avoid God.

Easter is God's solution to our problem. We are guilty, deep down we know it. How serious is our guilt? Enough that Jesus dies in our place, taking the penalty we deserve. It's only through the cross that God can be just and merciful. God takes our guilt and offers us forgiveness. If we look to Jesus and only Jesus, God will forgive us; freely, completely.

David Hicks has said he is sorry for what he has done. I wonder, as a nation, as a community, are we prepared to forgive him? I'm glad that God has made his offer of forgiveness very clear.

The Rt. Rev. Al Stewart is the Bishop of Wollongong in the Sydney Diocese of the Anglican Church