Devotional by Rev. Sheila Gillette
Scripture: “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?” James 4:12
Thought for the Day: It is so easy to judge others and disagree with what he/she believes or how he/she dresses or behaves. I tend to want to judge those standing on the street corners begging and think “Why don’t they get a job? Or go to a shelter?” However, there is no way that I can know the circumstances in that person’s life, their mental and emotional health for instance. Who am I to judge? There are many instances in our lives where we tend to judge others for the music they like, their beliefs, their tattoos, etc., etc. Yet according to God’s word, it is not our place to judge. Only the Lord has that power. What if we all work on loving our neighbor- whoever that may be, and agree to disagree, and not be judgmental? Remembering there is only one Judge and that is God.
Prayer: Gracious God, Help us to be loving and follow the example of your son, Jesus, who we claim wholeheartedly as our Lord and Savior. Help us to love the outcasts and those with different opinions or life choices than us. Help us to listen and not speak in judgement, remembering that is Your job, Lord, and only yours. In the name of our loving Savior, Jesus, we pray. AMEN.
