James 4: 11-12
Growing up, did you ever hear the saying, “never judge a book by its cover”? Almost all of us have heard it at least once in our lives. It’s so easy to look at someone and think something of them, whether it’s positive or negative. It’s just part of human nature. What if I were to tell you that judging someone [negatively] is going against the Word of God. What if I were to also tell you that by criticizing and judging others, you are also criticizing and judging God’s law. For me, after reading in chapter four in the book of James, my heart felt convicted. For many reasons actually; for one, it starts out by stating, “Do not speak evil against one another…” WOW! Whether it has ever been intentional or not, I have committed this sin. As a Christ follower we are called to be a constant encourager to believers and unbelievers. We are called to be like Jesus every day. And two, our job is to “obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you.” The law is for all believers, not just whom you say has to follow it. (If you are questioning whether or not it’s for you, it is most definitely for you!!!)
In verse 12 James moves on to say, that, “God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge,” “so what right do you have to judge your neighbor?” The answer to this question is simple: we have no right. When we fail to love others, we are actually breaking God’s law.
Two Steps:
- Examine your attitude and actions towards others.
- Ask yourself: Do I build people up or do I tear them down?
When you’re ready to criticize someone, remember God’s law of love and say something encouraging instead. Saying something beneficial to others will cure you of finding fault and increase your ability to obey God’s law of love.
Photography: @djaeoutlaw