Devotion for Wednesday, January 11, 2023

“But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”  (Jude 1:9)

How easily judgement rolls off our tongues.  We are commanded to not judge, but we judge all day long.  If the Archangel does not judge, then who are we, amidst our trivialities, to judge one another?  We have our disputes and disagreements, but the word of the Lord has spoken.  Judge not in condemnation lest with the same condemnation you be condemned.  Look to the Lord for all things and act accordingly.

Lord, I am guilty of having spoken such judgements and feeling quite alright about the whole thing.  Help me to not condemn others, for You alone are the judge of the living and the dead.  Yes, I do need to discern, but You have forbidden that I pronounce condemnation.  Lead me into a life that encourages others to live into the promise of faith You have given them so that they too may know the joy of Your presence in their lives.

Lead me, Lord Jesus, to see all the things necessary so that I can become like You.  Guide me to live by the words You have spoken and understand the goodness You intend for me.  Through Your grace and mercy, teach me to be one who also has grace and mercy.  Let me not condemn those who disagree but instead live a good life which shows Your presence in my life.  Amen.