Day 18: Tuesday 3/10

READ: James 4:11-12 

Brothers and sisters, don’t say evil things about each other. Whoever insults or criticizes a brother or sister insults and criticizes the Law. If you find fault with the Law, you are not a doer of the Law but a judge over it. There is only one lawgiver and judge, and he is able to save and to destroy. But you who judge your neighbor, who are you?

REFLECT 

James turns our attention to how we speak about one another. Difference among human beings is natural. Allowing those differences to lead us to contempt is where we start losing sight of others’ image-of-God-ness. We place ourselves above others, acting as judge rather than fellow disciple. Only God sees fully. Only God judges justly. And only God saves.

This doesn’t mean we ignore harm or avoid accountability. But even in using judgment (as being judgmental), we must be grounded in humility, recognizing we only see with limited perspectives. Thus, James invites us to examine the posture of our hearts. Do our words reflect humility or superiority? Mercy or condemnation? Trust in God’s authority or confidence in our own?

RESPOND 

Notice today when you're judging someone's motives or condemning their choices. Stop. Remember: you're not the Judge, and you don't know what survival has required of them.

PRAY 

God who judges justly, forgive us for condemning those you have not condemned while excusing those you have not excused. Amen.