Jailhouse blues...

Been at the courthouse today. Got me thinking about the legal system. Apparently, here in Australia we are presumed innocent -

Presumption of innocence is a legal right that the accused in criminal trials has in many modern nations. It states that no person shall be considered guilty until finally convicted by a court. The burden of proof is thus on the prosecution, which has to convince the court that the accused is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. In principle, the defense does not have to 'prove' anything. However, the defense may present evidence tending to show that there is a doubt as to the guilt of the accused.

Yet I think I can often presume people guilty until they're proven innocent. This is not what our legal system prescribes. Be careful in your assessment of people. Co-incidentally (or more correctly according to God's good purposes and will) I also read Romans 2 today with a guy from church which also warns us not to judge people quickly.

1You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? 4Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?

Quick and hasty judgments of people, without a real assessment of yourself, will be met with a measured and just judgment by the God of this universe who knows the truth. We will not escape God's judgment!