James 4
Scripture: Verse 12b
So what right do you have to judge your neighbor?
Observation
James is saying here, that only God has the right to judge people. When we choose to take that into our own hands, we are criticizing God’s ability to do it. We should be more concerned about our own spiritual walks, than about what other people are doing.
Application
This week was my first week of classes, so of course I’ve met a lot of new people. Before even reading this, God was putting it on my heart that I was being too judgmental when meeting people for the first time. The example that really comes to mind is my English teacher. In my first class, I determined within the first ten minutes that I was not going to enjoy her, or her class. If you asked me why, I really couldn’t give you an answer. I was just laying judgment on thick for pretty much no reason. Then we all started sharing something about ourselves, specifically, an event that changed our lives drastically. (Pretty much every college professor makes you do this. I used to think it was odd and uncomfortable, like elementary school or something. But, now I actually really enjoy it.) I wasn’t expecting her to share something about herself as well, but she didn’t hesitate telling everyone about her son with special needs. That’s when I was reminded that she (and everyone at school) are not just people, but souls that are going to spend eternity somewhere. When I started looking at everyone this way, I had great compassion for everyone around me. Now, to be honest, I think English is going to be my favorite class. She is a great teacher, who really knows how to get people started discussing tough issues, and that is something I really appreciate. That is something I can definitely learn for when I will be teaching. The point I’m trying to make, is that it is too easy to just go through life and to never really know somebody. To know somebody would make your heart break for them, and that is definitely not the easy route, but it is the route we’re called to take as believers, I think. Most of the time, though, we are too distracted by our judgments to ever get to that point.
Prayer
Lord, remind me to always look at people the way You see them. You have unending amounts of love and grace for everyone; I pray that I would have the same. I think that if I did, that would really change the way I interact with people, both new acquaintances and old friends. Give me Your heart, Lord. More of You and less of me.
