The Sad Conviction of Derek Chauvin and the Sad Death of George Floyd

Richard Hollerman

By now surely millions of Americans and actually people around the world have learned that the American policeman (sorry, he is not a “cop”) was found guilty for the death of George Floyd. On the surface, we think that many people were relieved and found a degree of satisfaction in this death sentence.

We should openly admit that Derek Chauvin was found guilty. Although I didn’t follow all of this very closely, from what we’ve learned, this policeman did hold the head and neck of this black man in such a way that he was killed. They used the term “murder” and apparently this is what happened. Many people (or most people?) who followed this case can testify that Derek was guilty.

We say that this whole incident was sad. It was sad on the part of blacks and whites. It was sad on the part of those who wanted Derek to be convicted, and it was sad on the part of those who wanted justice regarding him. It was also sad because of George’s character and past evil activities. I think that very few were really happy about the entire proceedings.

However, we maybe don’t often look at the other side along with the fact that apparently he was guilty.  From the little that we have learned, Floyd was guilty of many counts of taking drugs. Besides this unlawful lifestyle, he was a criminal with many counts of unlawfulness on his record.  Of course, we know that he had many physical compromises—such as high blood pressure, heart problems, and others. But the court didn’t convict Derek of any of this but simply found him guilty of his unjust handling of this criminal.

As it has been pointed out, the court didn’t find him guilty of resisting arrest or any other criminal behavior on the part of Floyd.  People from around the country (and this would include not only blacks but also whites and people of other nationalities) marched, burned down buildings, hurt and maimed police as well as others. We’ve heard that at least one police department was burned to the ground.  And, of course, a huge number of people were involved in stealing, killing, rioting, mayhem, bad language, and other sins (that Scripture calls “deeds of the flesh” in Galatians 5:19-21). There simply is no way to rectify all of this with the conviction of one man, one policeman. Was this worth one day, one month, one week for Derek in prison? We don’t know.

We know that there was a death and that apparently Derek was found guilty of this.  But, we must additionally add that there were thousands or hundreds of thousands of sins (deeds of the flesh) committed by those who condemned him.  How do we compare the grievous sin of one white man with the hundreds of thousands of sins of white, Hispanic, black, and other people? We don’t know. God, in Scripture, would say that they all are guilty of sin and we choose to leave it there (Romans 3:23; 6:23).

They all are guilty of sin, whether we speak of Derek, or George Floyd, or many others! There simply is no good way to bow out of this grizzly affair. Was it just that Derek who was found guilty and apparently will be sent to prison? We think that it was. But shall we just let a thousand or ten thousand others go free and not convicted of the thousands of sins and acts of wickedness of which they are guilty?

As we reviewed this case, we became aware of the many “important” figures who are guilty of slander, bad language, hypocrisy, and so many other sins. We are referring to people like Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, and others like them. Here we especially speak of liberal Democrats. (It might be added that we are neutral in these matters and are not either Democrat or Republican.) Aren’t they guilty in the sight of God? We know that the Lord won’t strike them dead, but we must admit that He holds them accountable and these wicked people will one day give an account to the “Judge of the whole earth” and will need to suffer for all eternity for this hypocrisy and wickedness. Does this make what this convicted policeman did one of innocence? Of course not. He was guilty. But let’s remember that everyone who “points a finger” at Derek has four fingers pointed back at himself/herself! They too are guilty and will one day pay for their evil.

Yes, there is no cause for rejoicing at all. This includes both those who want to see Derek “pay for his crime” and it also includes those who realize that there is vast guilt on the part of those who committed many sins to convict him. We know that George Floyd was guilty of many sins and surely is presently paying for his criminal behavior and sins, but we also know that Derek will also pay for his crime and sin. Shouldn’t the Christian seek to view all of this through the impartial eyes of God? Guilty Democrats and guilty Republicans’ will also pay for their sin.

Where are you? How do you view this? Are you on God’s side and will you speak for Him? After all, none of us will be judged as Democrats or Republicans—but will be judged as human beings. Are we willing to repent and come to God for His cleansing and forgiveness? Let this sad incident encourage us to turn to God through Jesus Christ!