Verse: James 4:11-12
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?
Devotion
How easy is it to talk about someone who isn’t in the room? It can happen before you realize it, without your permission, and can be very awkward to back your way out of.
As an art teacher, kids do a LOT of talking in my room, and I like to think I create a safe space where people can vent and relax a bit. But this requires that I make the space safe for everyone, and keep a bit of a handle on student conversations, that can head down the slander/gossip hallway rather quickly. It keeps me constantly reminded of how easy it is to be drawn into a conversation like this. It’s so easy and comfortable to point out the flaws, faults, and mistakes of others, to judge them. It’s not just teenagers that do this, it’s me. How easy to slip into a pattern of examining others instead of ourselves.
This verse says something interesting – that when we sit in judgement on others, we judge the law itself. As a judge interprets the law, we put ourselves in God’s place as Judge. What a good reminder of our own position. Just as we ought to be slow to speak and quick to listen, we should be self controlled when it comes to judging others. I know I would never presume to be like God, but when I talk smack behind people’s backs, that is exactly what I am doing. I want to love the people around me, and not just when they are within earshot.
Prayer
Our Great God, we are your creation, and we want to bring you glory. Help us to remember that loving one another well is a good way to do that. I want to reflect your generosity to me in treating others with generosity of spirit. Help us to bring your life when we open our mouths. Thank you for love to us!
Author: Emily Costa
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