Scripture: 'Then Eliphaz the Temanite responded [to Job]...Is it because of your reverence that He punishes you, That He enters into judgment against you? Is your wickedness not abundant, And is there no end to your guilty deeds?" Job 22:1,4-5 "Do not judge, so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you." Matthew 7:1,2 Application: When Eliphaz tore into Job with accusations, he did so not knowing the whole story. We often do the same, whether it be toward a family member or a stranger. When we judge others unjustly, a few things may be motivating us. * First, our own smugness and self-righteousness. * Second, a need to reduce the anxiety of seeing things spin unpredictably out of control. We want to blame the victim to explain that victim's hardship. * Third, a reluctance to help other people. We would rather say they're getting what they deserve than to see a religious or moral sense of responsibility to help them. We just have to remember we don't know all the facts. Instead of condemnation, our default should be compassion. We'd want the same benefit for ourselves, wouldn't we? Remember, when we see people, we see barely a snapshot, not a feature length film, or a multi-season series. There's always more that has happened, and will happen, than meets the eyes. Prayer: Dear Father, please prick our hearts with compassion towards those about whom we know very little. Please forgive us when we judge others unjustly. We want to become better. Comments are closed.
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