James 3:5-6 NLT
Recently, I heard a sermon about judging others. I thought I'd been doing pretty well about not judging people; that is until I heard the sermon in its entirety. I was going along just fine with it, doing a mental checklist - Check - no longer do that, Check - no longer do that, Check - no longer do that... then he asked. So you think you're doing pretty well - not judging people? How about when you're at work and you no sooner hang up the phone and you say, 'Idiot.' You just passed judgment on that person...
As much as I'd like to try to justify that particular action by claiming that I am just stating fact. However, Ephesians 4:29 instructs me, Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Proclaiming idiocy over someone is definitely NOT ministering grace... And even though I wasn't actively pursuing the act of pronouncing judgment, that's exactly what I've been doing.
Yes, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is interesting to note that in common law, arson is defined as the malicious burning of the dwelling of another. For purposes of common law arson, malicious is defined as action creating a GREAT RISK of a burning. It is not required that the defendant acted intentionally or willfully for the purpose of burning a dwelling. [emphasis mine] Creating the risk is enough to be charged with the crime (sin).
So, here I am, yet again, walking out James 5:16, Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for Your Word that always leads us back to You and redemption. Restore a right spirit within us, O Lord. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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