Who are You to Judge Your Neighbor?
“Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 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?” – James 4:11-12
James warns against the sin of slander and judgment within the body of Christ. When we criticize or speak against others, we place ourselves above God's law, essentially claiming authority that belongs only to Him.
Slandering and judging others reveal a prideful heart—a heart that forgets we are all under the same law and equally in need of God’s mercy. James reminds us that there is only one Lawgiver and Judge: God Himself. He alone has the power to save and destroy, and we are not qualified to take His place.
Instead of tearing others down, we are called to love our neighbors and encourage one another. This requires humility and a deep trust in God’s perfect justice.
Life Application: Examine your words this week. Are they building others up or tearing them down? Commit to refraining from slander and trusting God to be the ultimate Judge.
Prayer Points:
Pray for humility to resist the temptation to judge others.
Ask God to help you use your words to build others up.
Pray for a heart that trusts God’s justice and mercy.
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