Jury duty is a civic responsibility that all eligible citizens may be called upon to fulfill. For Christians, performing jury duty can raise some questions about how to balance biblical principles with the legal system. Here is an overview of how Christians can thoughtfully respond when called for jury duty.
Pray for wisdom and discernment
When notified you may potentially serve on a jury, begin praying for wisdom and discernment. Ask God to help you understand the case facts and arguments accurately. Pray for clarity in distinguishing truth from falsehood. Ask God for discernment to follow His leading should you be selected for a jury and have to render a verdict. As Proverbs 2:6 says, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Bringing the decision before God in prayer is a wise first step.
Be impartial and objective
Serving on a jury requires setting aside personal biases and opinions to make a decision based solely on the evidence and law presented in court. As Christians, we know that God “shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34) but judges rightly and fairly. Similarly, jurors must listen carefully to the case with open-mindedness and objectivity, not prejudging based on appearances or personal assumptions. The book of Proverbs repeatedly warns against perverting justice or showing partiality to the wicked or the rich (Proverbs 17:15, 18:5, 24:23-24). As representatives of God’s justice on a jury, Christians should strive to hear and weigh the facts without partiality.
Apply discernment but not personal convictions
Evaluating courtroom arguments requires discernment to distinguish truth, fairness, and credibility. Christians on a jury can prayerfully apply such discernment, guided by biblical principles of justice, without inserting their own personal convictions about the law. God’s ways are higher than man’s ways (Isaiah 55:8-9), so a verdict must be based on civic laws rather than religious beliefs. However, wisdom from the Bible can help inform how jurors process issues like reasonable doubt, eyewitness credibility, and character assessment when weighing the evidence in a trial.
Consider the heart motivations
Courtroom arguments often focus on external behaviors and facts. But the Bible says God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). As you hear testimony, consider motives and attitudes that may shed light on the true nature of the case. However, be careful not to judge or speculate unfairly about things only God can know. Proverbs 21:2 says “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.” Let your discernment of heart issues be guided by prayer.
Seek truth, mercy and justice
As a juror, your verdict should align with the truth, show appropriate mercy, and establish justice based on the law. Zechariah 7:9 says “Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another.” The facts of the case should guide your understanding of what is true. Mercy may be appropriate in sentencing but not distort the truth. Justice should be delivered without partiality or inequity. Seek the Lord for how to balance truth, mercy and justice properly as you reach a verdict.
Respect authority
Serving on a jury is a legal requirement, not an option. Since Christians are to submit to governing authorities (Romans 13:1, 1 Peter 2:13-17), obeying the summons demonstrates this submission. Participation in the jury process should be done respectfully. This includes staying alert during proceedings, avoiding improper conversations about the case, and not neglecting due process for expediency. Give respectful attention to the testimony, judge, attorneys and fellow jurors during the trial.
Aim for unanimous agreement
In most cases, jury verdicts must be unanimous. This requires humility, openness, patience and care for one another as you work through evidence and deliberations together. Philippians 2:3-4 says to humbly consider others above yourself and look to their interests as well. Share perspectives kindly, be willing to reconsider your own opinions, and don’t insist on having your own way. Reasonable people can disagree and still arrive at unforced agreement. Seek unanimity in a way that honors Christ.
Consider consequences carefully
Jury verdicts can profoundly impact people’s lives. The Bible says human judges are flawed and should judge cautiously because God will bring every deed to judgment (Ecclesiastes 5:8, Ecclesiastes 12:14). Carefully weigh potential consequences before rendering any verdict. However, you are ultimately responsible for justly applying the law to the facts. Trust God with the outcome, but take your role seriously.
Avoid vengeance
As a jury member, avoid vengeance in your motivations. Romans 12:19 says “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God.” Justice should be pursued out of duty, not personal bitterness. Follow the law and evidence, not emotions. Motives of greed, pride, abusiveness or selfish gain should not influence your decision. Let your verdict reflect the law justly applied, not personal vengeance.
Guard your tongue
Conversations in the jury room should stay focused on the evidence presented in court. Do not introduce outside information that was not submitted as evidence. Avoid speculating or gossiping about peripheral issues or people. James 1:26 and James 3 warn profuse talk can lead to sin and judgment. Measure your words carefully during jury deliberations. Maintain confidences and restrain idle talk that could compromise the proceedings.
Seek counsel if conflicted
If you face a moral dilemma between civic duty and your biblical convictions, seek counsel before trial from your church leaders or another mature Christian. However, once selected for a jury, your commitment is to follow the law in weighing the evidence unless it directly contradicts divine commands. Do not abandon your duty once on a jury. But talk through potential conflicts of conscience beforehand to gain perspective if possible.
Rest in God’s sovereignty
Christians can take comfort that God is ultimately sovereign over all human affairs, including jury trials. Everything in the universe is under His divine control and works toward His purposes. Even flawed human justice cannot frustrate God’s plans. Believers can give their best as jurors while resting in the assurance that the Lord reigns over all. His purposes cannot be thwarted. There is no need to be overly anxious about the outcome of a trial or jury verdict.
Pray for all involved
While serving on a jury, and after trial, remember to pray for all involved in the case – attorneys, judge, plaintiffs, defendants, witnesses, victims and the general public. Ask God to bring healing, repentance, justice and redemption through the process. Although imperfect, the jury system can be one means God uses to restrain evil and uphold order in a fallen world. Pray for it to reflect godly principles of truth, justice, mercy and righteousness.
In summary, Christians called to jury duty have an opportunity to carry out their civic duty in a way that honors biblical principles. This includes being impartial, discerning, thoughtful, just and respectful throughout the trial and deliberations. Bringing prayer and scriptural wisdom to the role allows believers to participate in, though imperfect, civic justice in a God-glorifying manner. With wisdom and God’s guidance, Christians can faithfully fulfill their obligation when called upon to serve on a jury.