James 1:17-19  “Every good thing is given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. In the exercise of His will, He gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. You know this, my beloved brothers, and sisters. Now everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.”

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You are a special gift.  A gift from God.  Your unique identity or personhood as created by God is simply without equal.  The message of practical James sees no jump in logic from your gifted unique identity to the accompanying responsibility to be just to those around you.  James is calling for a process in justice, listening carefully, restrained in our response, and measurement of judgment. He calls for due process for all accused of not living up to the image of God.

In the world in which we live, we have a responsibility not to pass judgment without due process.  The right to a timely trial, to an unbiased judge and a jury of our peers, a presumption of innocence, presentation of corroborating evidence, to know the charges or accusations, to confront witnesses, legal counsel, and the right to defend yourself are all part of this due process. Justice is allowing the process to work.  I cannot and will not make any judgment based on emotion, prejudice, innuendo, gossip, or without evidence.  That is justice.  Justice is dictated by my faith and by God.