Swallowing Our Pride: Judge ... or Love
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Scripture
"You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?" Romans 2:1-4 NLT
Thoughts for the Today
Proud people are easy to spot. Something in the way they talk and carry themselves gives them away.
How do you react to people who are arrogant and proud? What would you like to say to them?
It's easy to see pride in others and to condemn them. But maybe we need to look inward before we judge others. In fact, today's scripture makes that clear.
Consider this …
Although God hates the sin of pride, he loves us. "Don't you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can't you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?"
When we condemn others for their arrogance, are we not being arrogant? Considering ourselves better than they? Instead of judging others for their arrogance, we need to let God's love flow from us to them. To be kind, tolerant, and patient with them. And we need to let their behavior motivate us to look at any smoldering arrogance and pride within us. To repent and humble ourselves before God.
But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Words of Jesus in Matthew 23:12 NLT
Prayer
Father, help me not to judge others and condemn their prideful behavior. Help me show your love to others ... and to humble myself before you. In Jesus' name ...
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