Judge Nothing
Before The Appointed Time
So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as
those entrusted with the secret things of God. Now it is required that those
who have been given a trust must prove faithful. I care very little if I am
judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My
conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who
judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the
Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose
the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from
God.
1 Corinthians 4:1-5
We should never be naïve or imprudent. We have to differentiate
errors and wrongdoing. But, we should not instantly condemn people either.
No one knows the motives of another. God alone can bring to
light what is hidden in darkness; He alone can expose the intentions of the
heart.
Jesus knows the latent forces that motivate others; the cruel
beginnings, the fear, the disappointment, the broken heart, the sin that is
resisted. Moreover, He is working in every submissive heart to bring it to
maturity. Thus in the end – quite often contrary to our expectations, He will
bring praise to those He has brought to completion.
The Lord alone can try the heart. Until He returns, let’s ask
Him to help us examine our own.
Be slow to judge others, but quick to
judge yourself.
Our Daily Bread –