James 4:12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you – who are you to judge your neighbor?
We begin our month of Judgement with a very well known verse for many. It is the perfect starting point for us to launch a new month of devotions and a topic that hopefully helps us all to grow in our faith and better love the people we interact with.
Prior to today’s verse, James spends time warning believers against slandering or judging others. (James 4:11). His letter was written to believers and cautioned them about their behavior towards other behaviors but we could easily argue that it is just as important that we not judge anyone, believer or not.
When we judge others we are elevating ourselves to a position of superiority (in our minds). But who gave us the right to judge others? According to James, no one has the right to judge others. There is only one Judge and Lawgiver and it is not one of us. It is arrogance for us to think we have any right to pass judgement on another person.
What we do need to be aware of is what is known as the Law of Love or the Law of Christ. We see many references to this love made in other Scriptures including those where Jesus Himself told us to love God and love others (Matthew 22:36-40). James takes this concept of the Law of Love and reminds his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to be doers of the law and not judges of the law. We are to be showing love to others, not hurting them by passing judgement.
Only Jesus has the right to be the Judge and Lawgiver. He is the One Who died on the cross for our sins, setting us free and making us righteous. Only He has the authority to judge us. We need to remain humble and recognize that He alone is worthy and we are not.
Today and this month we should find ways that we can fellowship with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, not passing judgement on them. We will be exploring many different verses this month from different perspectives, but they all return to the simple fact that there is only One worthy to judge and it is not us.
Prayer: Lord, Help me to remember that I am not worthy to judge and have no right to pass judgement on anyone, let alone my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Amen
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