How often do we judge others without even knowing them? How often do we judge them without compassion without knowing their struggles?
1 Corinthians 5:12-13 For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those outside God judges. Therefore “put away the evil person away from you.”
Those who say they are believers in Jesus Christ are still to correct our fellow believers with gentleness.
Galatians 6:12 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
What if we truly brought those struggling inside and outside to our Heavenly Father in prayer? What if we remember that we could have been the one struggling with not knowing if we are male or female, drug addiction, birth defects, mentally challenged, or any number of things? What if we have gratitude and pray with great compassion for those we judge inside and outside our faith?
A little boy bit my daughter when playing once when she was small. I condemned the mother and the little boy. My daughter became a biter. I always remember this when I want to judge or condemn someone else. A much smaller scale than many have to deal with. Lord, I am grateful.
John 3:17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, Rejoice! Let your gentleness be made known to ALL men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Will we be Christ followers? Only God knows each of us perfectly.
Matthew 7:1 Judge not that you be not judged.
