1 Corinthians 4: 5
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
--NIV
In the name of the One Who will expose the motives of men’s hearts, amen.
This passage shows us that there are things hidden in the hearts of people. We know this. It seems self evident, and yet we often act as if we know what a person’s real motives are. If you doubt that you do this, ask yourself if you have ever, even for just a moment, questioned whether or not President Clinton is sincere when He walks into church with a Bible in his hand. If you have questioned his sincerity, how could you possibly know? Are you God? God is the only one who can read the heart. When we are judgmental we set ourselves up as God. Dare we do this?
No, we do not dare do it! We need to put the best construction on everything. We need to truly assume innocence. It is God’s place to judge, and He will judge in His own time. This is a good thing. If God judged now, many would be found without the forgiveness that comes through faith. God, in His patience puts off judgment. By faith we will stand in the judgment. By faith we are able to keep from judging others. For now, be content to be a human being who cannot read hearts. Let the hidden things be hidden knowing that they will be revealed at the proper time. May the Spirit of the Lord guide you. Amen.
Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for putting off judgment so that the ones You have chosen are not condemned. Forgive us for standing in the place of God when we judge others’ hearts. Help us to leave judgment to You, and wait for the time that has been set for all things to be revealed, amen.