Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment. – John 7:24
A couple from church observed a young man they knew to be part of the praise and worship team enter a downtown tavern. “What a shame,” they lamented. “He seemed to be such an upstanding young man.” How many times have you looked at a situation and come to a wrong conclusion? What these congregants had not realized was that the young man did the same thing every night as he gathered up his besotted father, took him home, and put him to bed. What appeared to be one thing was actually something else.
Jesus knew, despite instructing His followers not to judge (John 7:1), that you would judge others. He cautioned, in today’s passage, to be sure you understand the person and the situation before you render your judgment. Jesus upset many people when He healed a man on the Sabbath. They pointed out that their laws forbade Him from doing such work. However, Jesus reminded them that they were willing to perform a circumcision on the Sabbath in accordance with the eight-day law, a type of work. Correct judgment requires accurate information as well as a heart of grace and mercy.
Ask God to fill you with His wisdom, so that you might see people through His eyes. He will help you judge correctly. Pray that America’s jurists, who are called upon to judge people and situations, would seek help from Almighty God in discerning difficult or questionable issues.
Today’s Verse: John 7:24
Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Romans 14:13-19
13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
