Warriors Arise: February 1, 2024
Matthew 7:1 & 2 “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you..."
I would like to offer a little caution. Many time we open mouth and insert foot, because we address someone from our point of strength and their point of weakness or sin. Jesus seemed to take verses further than people were used to applying. For instance:
Matthew 5: 38-42 “You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.
In this same concept, I would like to share the idea that when we feel compelled to share with someone, or judge them and address them in love over their sin or decision they are about to make that we think is wrong, are we comparing apples to apples? Maybe we haven't struggled in the same area of sin as they have. Maybe we haven't been in a position where we had to make a parallel decision in our life. There is no grid. We are an outsider. We haven't had a relatable experience to render judgment. We think we are safe to bring up their issue because we have never had to deal with the issue they struggle with or the decisions they are about to make. We think we are safe to judge them and share with them our insight or point of view because they can't call us it from a past experience. We didn't have one. So there is no comparison.
The thought pattern is tracking with the Scripture. We do not have a right to address someone just because we have never struggled in the area they are currently struggling. We do not have insight to share with them because we have never been faced with the decision they are having to make. This is another reason why we would not share truth, what we think is true, without our heart being full of love, compassion, and kindness.
I have God's heart for an individual when I have been praying for them, asking God to reveal the words to say, but also for their heart to be receptive and a solution to be given. EVERYONE can point out someone's sin or the bad decision they are about to make. But does EVERYONE understand the individual genuinely believes their sin doesn't matter or that they are making the best decision for themselves. We need the Holy Spirit to be involved when we are sharing the truth. When someone is in sin, they are bewitched. They always think they can get out whenever they want. They do not realize apathy is taking over the longer they are in sin. Those who are making a decision you feel is not in their best interest, truly think the idea is solid. They aren't trying to make a bad decision, they just can't see beyond what their mind can conceive. This will take the Holy Spirit confirming what you share.
On the flip side caution is necessary. You can be completely innocent in trying to point out someone's sin or bad decisions they are about to make and then someone else comes to share with you about a different area in your life that has sin or is a bad decision. Be ready to be humble and accept their "judgement". Respond to them as you hoped the individual you addressed would respond to you. Honor what they are sharing with you and take it before the Lord. He will confirm His word to you.
My Father in heaven. Hallowed be Your Name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done one earth as it is in heaven. I forgive those who have transgressed against me. I release them. I pray for peace for those who have addressed me with my sin and the decision I have made. Thank You for their love and care. Confirm Your word and direction. I pray for those who I have gone before to bring the truth in love. I ask for You to meet with them. I release them into Your hands. I pray they would know Your voice and follow You. If I ache spoken out of turn, I ask for You to forgive me. If I have spoken in fear, I ask for You to forgive me. I receive Your love in Jesus' name amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy Hand
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