TODAY’S SCRIPTURE 2 Peter 3:8-13
“And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27, NASB).
Words fascinate me. Especially words that can function as both nouns and verbs. Judgment is such a word. The noun “judgment” refers to a specific thing, but it is often used in a phrase like “passing judgment.” In fact the way most throw the word around today, it seems they have forgotten that it is a noun at all. It is treated as a verb in most every conversation that it squeezes its way into. Rarely when someone throws acid accusations of unfair judging (verb) in someone’s direction does it change anything––in fact it often only exasperates the situation. But if we all live our lives in light of “the Judgment,” it would certainly affect every conversation, every relationship, every event and situation we find ourselves in.
“Why do you pass judgment [verb] on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment [noun] seat of God; for it is written, ‘As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God.’ So then each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:10-12). If we would live our lives in light of God’s impending judgment, or even with our own judgement of others in mind, it would affect how we live our lives.
Prayer: Dear Judge of all the earth, bless our day. Help us to be gracious in how we speak with and treat others knowing it will affect our own judgment. Help us this day to live in light of that day when we will stand before You. Thank You for Your Son who died that we might be justified and help us to live like redeemed people. In His name, Amen.
Today I will…be aware of my words and the effect they have on others. I will write a message to another with the sole purpose of encouraging that person.
