Article July 25, 1983 Issue

The longed-for verdict

VIRGINIA L. SCOTT

What is the longed-for verdict? "Not guilty," of course. I have often wondered what it must be like to sit in a courtroom awaiting the verdict of a jury or the decision of a judge. What a surge of relief and joy must flood the innocent defendant who hears those freeing, releasing words, "Not guilty!"

An earnest individual who loves and trusts God can consistently claim his right to the verdict of "Not guilty." Someone might ask, "Not guilty of what? I have never committed a crime." Freedom from guilt, however, includes much more than just knowing that one has not performed some illegal act.

Who can say that he has never felt remorse, regret, or sorrow over past mistakes or indiscretions? Who believes that he has always been as loving, thoughtful, and considerate as he now wishes he had been? Who feels that he is never deceitful, envious, critical? Few, if any, would say they had attained such a lofty goal. But students of Christian Science are finding that, through consecrated effort, they can achieve a great deal more in this direction.

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