Sunday Writing... 9-30-18... GUILTY UNTIL PROVEN INNOCENT

Good morning,

Today's writing is about how the presumption of innocence in our courts isn't always how we approach things in the court of public opinion.  We sometimes jump to judgment of others and assume they are guilty without any proof.  This devotional talks about whether God sees us as guilty or innocent.

Blessings,
Jan

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Today's Devotional

 "GUILTY UNTIL PROVEN INNOCENT"

by
Jan Andersen

In our courts of law we follow the rule of a person being innocent until proven guilty.  But in the court of public opinion we often reverse that and automatically deem certain people guilty based on our preconceived notions, prejudices and past experiences.  Here in the U.S. we have had a massive “me too” movement of women stepping forward to tell their stories of being sexually harassed or assaulted especially in their workplaces.  There has also been a “church too” movement to expose sexual abuse that happens in churches.  These are outside of our court systems, so there is no burden of proof at work, and many often automatically assume the accuser is telling the truth, because who would put themselves in the spotlight for something like that if it were not true?  

Years ago when people first started speaking out about sexual abuse, especially as a child, it was very safe to make this assumption.  It was a rarity that we heard about such things.  But now as it has become more and more common to hear these types of accusations, there can be a cloud of doubt about motives, especially in the political arena when the timing is suspiciously right before a vote to elect or appoint someone to an important office.  This is especially true when there is no definitive evidence, and information is withheld for what appears to be a more opportune time.  But it is also confusing when both sides seem very believable.  However, memories can be distorted on either side.  It is a known phenomenon that when we experience a traumatic event, the memories of that event can be inaccurate.  Alcohol consumption may have changed or erased a memory of an event.  People divide up and point to either side and say “guilty!” - either of the abuse, or of lying about the abuse.  Guilty until proven innocent!

Actually, that applies to every single one of us - that we are guilty of sin in thoughts, words and deeds,  either in committing it (doing something we shouldn't) or in omitting it (not doing something we should).   As human beings we are born into a sinful world, imperfect beings incapable of being completely innocent of sin.  God sees that we are all guilty and deserve a sentence of the death penalty.  So how can we be proven innocent in order to attain eternal life in heaven?

We cannot… not on our own!  We are saved only by the grace of God who sent his only Son, Jesus, to die on the cross in our place as payment for our debt of sins.  Jesus stepped into our place before the judge and accepted our death sentence for us.  Then three days after dying on the cross, he rose again and is preparing a place for us in heaven with him.  Now when God looks at us he instead sees us clothed in Jesus’ righteousness - the only way we can be “proven innocent” - to be seen through Christ’s atoning sacrifice.  As long as we don’t reject the faith planted in our hearts through the work of the Holy Spirit, we are freed from the law of sin and death.  There is now no condemnation.  Even though we are guilty, we are deemed innocent! 

Romans 8:1-2 NIV  

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

Dear gracious Father in heaven, we thank you for your merciful forgiveness of our guilty souls.  Thank you for this free gift by the sacrifice of your innocent Son, Jesus, on the cross as our redeeming substitute.  Continue to build our faith, planted in us by your Spirit.  Help us to treat others with the same compassion you have shown us.  We are all sinfully guilty yet declared innocent in Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray,  Amen.  

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Song:

I'm Forgiven (Amazing Love)

Christ Tomlin

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Prayers are lifted up daily you by the Devotional Writers 

  and the Monthly Writing Staff of Women's Focus Ministries.

Blog Writers:

Jan Andersen, Sandy Billingham, Carol Steficek,   

 Brother Thomas Ukwute, Jody Ward,  Karen Bennett, 

Bre Miller, Cathy Friberg, and  Corinne Mustafa

Occasional Contributors:

Kathy Bireley,  Lynda Kinnard, Mary M. Wilkins,

Terri Baker, Beverley Napier, Kelly Dobyns

Glenna Williamson,  Shelly Keith, Amie Spruiell,
Lisabeth Lipp,  and Nandita Bhatnagar