Have you ever been thrilled for God to humble you?
Yeah, me either.....until Tuesday.
The most awesome and humbling thing happened to me and I can't wait to share it! I had a very different post written about how we as Christians judge each other and I was pleased with how it came out. I had penned this post about 6 weeks ago. Lucky for you, sweet reader, our posts are read and edited by the best of the best. It was brought to my attention that my post sounded angry. I read and re-read it, and read it again prayerfully and still didn't see anything wrong with it... until Tuesday. Tuesday my post seemed not so much angry but perhaps self-righteous and even the dreaded H word... hypocritical.
Now that I've confessed some of my sin... on to what happened Tuesday.
I was visiting a local hangout, I won't say where specifically to protect the innocent, but you get the point. One of THOSE places we moms go to get a little midget relief. I wasn't there very long when I ran into a person that I know rather well. Feeling a little uncomfortable, because I knew in my heart that I had silently judged this person for quite sometime because of some life circumstances, I began an hour long conversation with them. After talking about various things I realized that God had completely turned my heart to mush for this person. And later, when I got home, conviction fell on my shoulders like a ton of bricks and upside my head like a shovel. Who am I to even form an opinion about someone's circumstances? I haven't walked the path that God has asked them to walk. God reminded me, quite firmly I might add, that He knows all and sees all, I do NOT. He told me I am called to love, not to judge. I am so thankful that these hards truths come from a gracious God who loves me.
I know I can't possibly be the only person who has encountered this. Those of you traveling through the book of James this summer have no doubt felt compelled to look at yoursleves in the area of judging. Most of us know what the Word says about it. We quote the verses often, but mostly when we feel judged. Are we just as willing to supply them to ourselves when we are on the judging end of the stick?
James 4:12 There is
only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and destroy; but you- who are you to judge your neighbor?
Matthew 7:24 Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgement.
( look that one up and take in the whole context you'll be glad you did)
Matthew 7:1-2 " Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. "
( yep, been there)
Ecclesiastes 12:14 For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing whether it is good or evil.
(God will not me...DUH Penny!)
Romans 14:13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put a stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way.
James 2:13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!
Mercy triumps over judgment! Praise God, I need mercy for my short comings and mistakes!
Lord forgive me for being judgmental, please replace that judgment with an overflow of mercy,
kindheartedness, and compassion for the hurting people around me.
Romans 8:1 says "Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus".
If Jesus isn't willing to condemn us then we probably shouldn't be condemning each other. We will stand before a perfect judge one day. Until we are perfect ourselves let's stop throwing each other under the bus, even if it's only in our minds. Let us work out our OWN salvation with fear and trembling. Me especially.
