In the Courtroom

When I worked briefly as a legal assistant at a law firm, I often attended court to observe sentencing hearings. At first, I was simply grateful toward God for keeping me safe from all the crimes and chaos in the world. But over time, I began to see glimpses of my own spiritual self in those courtroom scenes.

While some defendants stood trial while already in custody, others faced trial while continuing their daily lives. On occasions, I witnessed someone who had been sitting right next to me be sentenced to prison and immediately taken away in a prison uniform. I heard defendants desperately cry out for one more chance when the judge asked if they had any final words, and often listened to the conversations between the judge and parents who had come to hear their child’s sentence. In those moments, I couldn’t help but see myself standing before God, awaiting judgment for my sins—and tears welled up in my eyes.

We were all spiritual sinners, destined to stand before the judgment seat of God (Rev 20:12). I know I should live in constant humility, keeping this mind—but it isn’t always easy. I’m thankful to God for reminding me, through the moments I experienced in the courtroom, that I am a sinner from heaven, and for giving me the blessing of the forgiveness of sins and salvation. Whenever I feel tired and weary, I will find strength in the hope of going back to our heavenly home. And I will strive to be a child of God who awakens those who don’t even realize that they are spiritual death-row inmates and lead them to the path of repentance.