DON’T CONDEMN OTHERS
Tuesday, August 24th
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome PhD DSc DD
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).
In your life, don’t be too quick to find fault with others. Don’t give in to the urge to condemn. The Bible says the Lord Jesus has been “…ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead” (Acts 10:42 NKJV). He alone is the true Judge, and He’s rich in mercy. There may be some people around you, perhaps, even in your local church that may not be living right; don’t judge them. Instead, be the light that wins them over. That’s what Jesus said in our theme verse.
One of the reasons people may not be living right where you are may be that your light isn’t shining brightly enough. When a Christian condemns other Christians about their way of life, he may think he’s being spiritual when it’s actually an expression of carnality. Don’t write anyone off because of their errors; Jesus also paid the price for their mistakes. He took responsibility for all our wrongs. He alone has the right to judge; yet, He doesn’t condemn us.
The Bible says “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:1). People who are carnally minded only see the wrong in other people. Those people may have actually made mistakes, or are making mistakes, but their hearts may be right with God such that when they realize their error and are corrected, they’d quickly repent. A good example is David; he did something that was wrong, but he was truly repentant and sought and received the Lord’s forgiveness (Read 2 Samuel 12:1-13). But that wasn’t the case with Saul. When Saul was rebuked for what he did wrong, he defended himself, and God was angry with him (Read 1 Samuel 15).
The local church isn’t for “perfect” people, but for perfecting people. Come as you are, and the Word of God will wash you clean; the Word will perfect you. The five-fold ministry gifts listed in Ephesians 4:11-12 are for the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry and for the edifying of the body of Christ.
In the Church, we can recognize when people do something that’s wrong; yet, like Jesus, don’t judge them. That’s why we share the Word of God (Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Word of God has the ability to correct any man, and help them redirect their steps. Share the Gospel; don’t condemn others.
Confession
The love of God is shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Spirit by whom I relate with everyone around me with lovingkindness, compassion and grace. I see the best in people, and by the Spirit, I’m able to impact them with the grace and glory of Christ; my light shines so brightly and draws men to the righteousness of God expressed in and through me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study:
Matthew 7:1-2 TLB
“Don’t criticize, and then you won’t be criticized.
2 For others will treat you as you treat them.”
Ephesians 2:4-5
“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)”
Luke 6:37
“Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:”
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
1 Corinthians 9;
Psalms 128-134
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 18:28-34;
1 Samuel 11-12
Extract From Rhapsody Of Realities Daily Devotional
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