DON’T RUSH TO JUDGMENT 1 Corinthians 4:6-13
“Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.” (v5)
Prejudice – is pre-judging. It makes you see those who don’t endorse what you believe as enemies. You attribute commendable qualities to the circle you move in, and negative ones to those outside it. That’s not what Jesus did. He befriended and fellowshipped with sinners and societal out casts – without compromising who He was or endorsing their lifestyle. The Bible cautions against “hasty…premature judgments and reminds us that “the Lord … will… bring to light … things that we are (… hidden) … aims (motives and purposes) of hearts” (v5 AMPC) He’s the only one qualified to “discern the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:5 TM); here’s some food for thought (1) Face your prejudice. List all the people you don’t count as friends, people you actually go out of your way not to have a relationship with, and start loving them “by… actions and true caring” (1 John 3:18 NCV) (2) Drop the mask. Look inside your heart and ask yourself what it is about the other person that bothers you. Are there similarities between you? Are they expressing something you’re hiding from? (3) Get to know the other person. Paul said.” “I try to … I can do save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22 NLT)
Whether or not you decide to continue the relationship you discover the power of your mind to obstruct, delude, and term something into what its not. Plus you’ll have a better chance of winning others to Christ because “love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:8 NKJV) (TWFT)
PRAYER LINE: Father, I accept that a price is involved in learning to listen, but I recognize also that the rewards are greater than the cost. Help me to walk in it in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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To master temptation, let Christ master you.