Good morning! Early this week, we read about resolving conflict by turning hatred into humility. Today we will continue our reading in James chapter four (4) where James calls believers to turn from judgment to justice. Join me as we continue our reading.

Bible Verse – James 4:7-10 NLT

“⁷ So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸ Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. ⁹ Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. ¹⁰ Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.”

Reflection

James gave us all instructions on how to turn away from judgement. It is so clear that I don’t need to repeat it, but I will break it apart for readers to see:

• humble yourselves before God
• resist the devil, and he will flee from you
• come close to God, and God will come close to you
• repent – wash your hands; purify your hearts
• let there be tears for what you have done
  • sorrow and deep grief
  • sadness instead of laughter
  • gloom instead of joy
•  humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor

A commitment to change, a cleansing of the heart through repentance, and sincere remorse for wrong or sinful things done with a true desire to change is what God desires. It’s what we should desire too.

Sisters and brothers, today is a great day to stop judging others, repent, and draw closer to God. Let’s allow God to do transformational work in us.

Prayer

Father God, thank you! Thank you for your mercy and grace that continues to transform us. Lord, forgive us for the times when our hearts failed to be in alignment with your word. Forgive us for judging others as if we were without sin. Forgive us for slander against others when we/ourselves were guilty. Lord, forgive us of having a haughty attitude and spirit. Lord, equip us to know better and do better every single day. Lord, redirect our thoughts and help us to keep them focused on you.

Lord, be with our families as we leave our homes. Keep a shield of protection around all the children and young adults as they go to school and return home. Lord, help them with their studies. Keep them safe amongst their peers and teachers. Lord, be with each educator, instructor, and administrator as they go through their work day. Help them to make good decisions and care for the children who have been placed in their care.

Lord, continue to heal each person in need of healing. Open doors of employment for those in need.

Lord, we humbly ask for your forgiveness. In Jesus name, amen.

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