Good morning! Today, we will continue our reading in James chapter four (4). Enjoy today’s reading and have a blessed weekend.

Bible Verse – James 4:11-12 NLT

“¹¹ Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters.^[d] If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you. ¹² God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor?”

Reflection

Again, for context, James wrote these words to the 12 tribes/believers who were scattered. They had tendencies to quarrel and fight, engage in slander and judgment against one another. His primary goals were to encourage them and address their behaviors while challenging them to grow into spiritually mature believers. In these verses, James sought to exemplify justice over judgment and encourage sincere and righteous relationships. James is basically reminding them of the words that are written in Micah 6:8 NLT:

“No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

God desires a humble spirit. Our spirit should never assume a position over God or His word. The person who slanders cannot stand above it and the one who judges without mercy will be condemned by it. God is a just God. True justice is given when a believer is humble and obedient to God. As believers we must depend on God more than our own pride.

I read a post yesterday and the author asked why does the Bible say we can judge then it says not to judge. In these verses, and throughout the Bible we are taught to refrain from judging others by appearances, but to judge with right judgment. Some believers are quick to judge, condemn, and destroy. We are called to be humble, show wisdom and discernment; and in love we can call for our sisters and brothers to turn from sin. Love them with compassion and restore them instead of shaming them. And, always remember God is the great Judge.

Before rushing to judgment, ask God for wisdom and discernment, and follow it in obedience.

Prayer

Father God, we thank you for another opportunity to live out your Word in spirit and truth. Lord, we thank for helping us to discern right from wrong in our own hearts and lives. Thank you for saving us from ourselves. Thank you for the forgiveness that you freely offer. Lord, continue your mighty work within us so that we humbly grow into spiritually mature believers and demonstrate it in our words and actions.

Lord, thank you for the five (5) women and men who were ordained last night. Lord, bless their marriages and their ministries as they follow you. Lord, speak through them and equip them with all the godly wisdom they need to expand the kingdom for Your glory.

Lord, heal those who have recently been diagnosed with COVID. Lord, please touch them and replenish their bodies with nutrients and strength. Lord, remove the aches, fevers, and headaches. Lord, continue to heal those recovering from hospital stays, surgeries, illnesses, and other things.

Lord, we pray for those who have been wrongfully judged or slandered, and we ask for your justice to come. Lord, forgive us for unjustly slandering others. Help us to do better. Help us to restore our sisters and brothers in the faith. Lord, continue to humble our pride and spirit, and respect Your authority and Word as we seek to live as examples of Christ Jesus in this world. In Jesus name we pray, amen.

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