Romans 2:1
You, therefore, have
no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point
you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass
judgment do the same things.
Holy & Righteous Judge,
Forgive me for donning
the robe, stepping behind the desk, and pounding down the gavel to
announce the "guilty" verdict. I am just as bad! I have no excuse! It's
easier to look straight ahead atsomeone else, than it is to look down at
myself. If I point a finger at others, four fingers are pointing back
at me.
When I put on
Your holy robe and thump Your sacred gavel, playing judge, I'm setting
myself up for discipline. You do not like when I step behind Your divine
desk because I'm unworthy and unqualified to be there. Forgive me for
filtering Your grace through my opinion, and watering down Your mercy
with my own narrow-mindedness. I can't understand Your holy standard,
let alone reach it!
I don't know the whole
story. How can I judge a book when the chapters aren't all written? Only
You know the whole truth. You are the Amazing Author of every story and
uniquely write each ending. If You began a good story about someone,
You will finish it with a perfect ending. I believe You.
I think of the thief
dying on the cross next to You. In the last paragraph of his life story,
he acknowledged You and asked You to remember him. In the end, You
pounded the gavel and proclaimed him "not guilty", assuring him a place
in Paradise. While the watching world convicted him, You patiently
pardoned him. You are so kind and merciful. Teach me, Your Honor, to be
non-judgmental for Your name sake. Amen.
God
is a Father of many chances. He holds back His judgment on us, allowing
us time to change our mind. He expects us to do the same to others.
Talk to God about who you need to show mercy today. Then, step aside,
remove the robe, put down the gavel and let Him announce the verdict. He
alone is worthy.
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