The world is a hard, hard place. Unforgiving. I have heard so many lamentations over failed "justice" in the last 18 hours. I wonder if people would be more comfortable living in a country such as Afghanistan - where people can be stoned to death, for perceived crimes, in public. I think there is a woman sitting in a jail cell in Florida today for whom a majority would gleefully watch her death by stoning.
For me? I would prefer to live in a country that lets a 100 murderers free rather than condemning one innocent person. But that's just me.
Five or six years ago I was on a jury for the trial of a heinous crime. It was difficult. I would not want to do it again. I have the utmost respect for people who are willing to give up their lives for days, weeks, or months to go and do this most grave civic duty. I am certain there has seldom been a jury who thought it was a lark, something fun, something not serious. I have tremendous respect for our justice system. Is it 100% perfect? No. Does it try? Yes.
I thank God every day for his mercy. Not his justice. If I got what I deserved, it would not look one iota like the life I have today. I was a hopeless, drooling drunk, and now I am not. I have been the recipient of great mercy and grace. The least I can do is extend that forward.
The most important thing for me to remember? I am not God. I am not judge, jury, and executioner of anyone, not even myself. And Thank God for that!
6 comments:
I agree. The jury is not there to go with their feelings but to go on evidence. If the evidence is weak and there is reasonable doubt, then no conviction. I think that eventually the truly guilty will receive their punishment. It may take a lifetime but eventually it comes. It is not up to me to judge--had a good meeting on Step Seven last night, realizing just how judgmental I can be when I edge God out.
I chose not to write about this event. If I had, it would have sounded similar to what you wrote.
For me, it's just one more example that I don't know what's best, or even what's right, necessarily. I am NOT a competent judge.
I just need to be my best.
The responsibility of jury participation is heavy, humbling, necessary.
Most Peeps, when they seriously consider the recent trial outcome, I believe will agree with you. I do.
Outside of the courtroom, if/when I do NOT judge, things turn out as they were supposed to...it seems.
I don't want to be judged as harshly as I have judged others in the past. I can't ever know what is in the mind of another or what sadness they have faced to bring them to do the unspeakable. I can only know my own heart and even then I make mistakes I have to live with. It is grace that keeps me going when faced with questions I cannot answer.
**I thank God every day for his mercy. Not his justice. If I got what I deserved, it would not look one iota like the life I have today. I was a hopeless, drooling drunk, and now I am not. I have been the recipient of great mercy and grace. The least I can do is extend that forward.**
Love this MC. Once you have been the recipient of undeserved mercy, compassion and love, it changes you and you will never be the same again.
Amen for mercy instead of justice... cause if I got what I deserved (((shudder)))
Thank God he believes WE deserve much more and better things in our relationships with each other and in our lives collectively! When I keep that in mind and ask what he would have the world look like, it looks much better and more forgiving and loving than my little tract! :) YAY GOD!
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