yielding to the judge
“What comparison can I use to describe this breed? They are like children squatting in the town squares, calling to their playmates: ‘We piped you a tune but you did not dance! We sang you a dirge but you did not wail.’ ” —Matthew 11:16-17
If you read the comments section of any social media post, you will notice that people make judgments based on limited information. Though Jesus said that we should not judge (Mt 7:1), passing judgment is a commonplace activity in daily conversations or on social media. It is easy and lazy to make definitive judgments based upon limited information. We do not know another person’s motives, culpability, or the degree of formation of their conscience. Only the Lord knows the depths of a person’s heart (Jn 2:25).
Thanks be to God that He is our eternal Judge, rather than the courts of this world. God is “rich in mercy” (Eph 2:4), “slow to anger and abounding in kindness” (Ps 103:8). He understands our weakness (Ps 103:14).
Rather than spending our time judging others, we should spend our life building our relationship with Jesus. Get to know Him as merciful Savior, before you meet Him as eternal Judge. “If you want to avoid judgment, stop passing judgment” (Mt 7:1). He is indeed the Judge, standing at the gate (Jas 5:9). The lyrics to a Christian song proclaim, “Look into your Judge’s eyes and see a Savior there.”
Prayer: Father, I plead guilty and throw myself upon Your mercy. I accept Your Son, Jesus, as my Salvation and the Holy Spirit as my Lawyer for the Defense.
Promise: “I, the Lord, your God, teach you what is for your good, and lead you on the way you should go.” —Is 48:17
Praise: Marcie was a witness to openness toward life as she received with great joy the conception of her first child shortly after her marriage.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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