Are you quick to criticize and judge others?  Do you tend to make quick judgments on people based upon what you see, or think you see, or know of individuals?  You have heard the saying, “you can’t judge a book by its over.”   The truth is, we are known by the fruit we bear in our lives, but at the same time we are not to judge.  Jesus instead would have us to see others thru the lens of God’s “Grace!”   In the sermon on the mount, Jesus said, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” (cf. Matthew 7)  Grace and judgment can be a tricky balance, because we are to look out for the spiritual well being of one another.  We are to defend the poor and those that cannot defend themselves.  We are to look out for false teachings.  And sometimes we have to take aggressive measures based upon the facts and fruit of the situation.  But there are times when it would be best to remain silent.  Jobs three friends are a good example of this.  When Job literally lost everything, his friends came to his side, and initially said nothing.  They just sat with him in his grief.  But then they opened their mouths and made judgements as to why Job was going through this.  Some of what they said about God was true, but misapplied to Job.  If what Job was going through was not enough, then his friends falsely accused him and judged his heart.  Well long story short, it was his friends that needed to repent, and God fully restored Job in the end.

“Words are powerful.  They can create or they can destroy.  So choose your words wisely.” (quote)   Let’s pray for one another.  Let’s choose to strengthen and encourage one another, and not tear down.

In His Service,

Pastor Rodney