“There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor?” (James 4:12)
There is a coming judgement, but none of us are the judge. Jesus did not come into the world to judge the world because it was already judged. But, when He comes back, He will come to judge the living and the dead. We therefore do well to remember that there is only One judge. We also do well to remember that we have been given a new life and that we are to walk in that new life. Love and help your neighbor and do not judge them.
Lord, You know my inclination is to look at my neighbor and compare myself to them. Take that away from me that I may look at my neighbor and see what You see. Help me to be guided by goodness and not evil. Lead me according to the goodness that is You, that I may learn how to love while leaving the judging to You. You know what I need. Thank You for providing all that I need.
Lord Jesus, in You alone is all hope. Apart from You I cannot do these things, but with You all things are possible. You have come to free me by redeeming me from what the letter of the law says, which condemns me. But this is not freedom to judge others, but the ability to learn how to love as the Father loves. Guide me, dear Lord, in the way of everlasting life and lead me according to the Father’s will to learn how to love. Amen.
