Blogging Through the Alphabet delves into the letter J this week. As I scanned through the Bible Concordance for a J word to write about, I kept coming back to the word Judgement. I know I could have written about Jesus. There is a multitude to write about the Son of God, His works, His teachings, why he came, how he lived, His many names, and His lineage. I like a challenge though. Which leads me back to how I am writing about the word Judgement for my J letter in Blogging Through the Alphabet.
What is Judgement?
Merriam Webster Dictionary defines Judgement as 1.) A formal utterance of an authoritative opinion 2 a.) A formal decision given by a court 2 b.) An obligation created by the decree of a court 3 a.) The final judging of humankind by God 3 b.) A divine sentence or decision 4 a.) The process of forming an opinion or evaluation by discerning and comparing 4 b.) An Opinion or estimate so formed 5 The capacity for judging (discernment) 6.) A Proposition stating something believed or asserted
The New American Standard Old Hebrew Lexicon defines one form of Judgment or Shaphat as 1.) To judge, govern, vindicate, punish 2.) The theophanic advent, or a visible manifestation of God to humankind (Oxford Dictionary) for final judgement.
Interestingly, Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology mentions the Hebrew word mispat when discussing God's judgement. The modern translation of mispat is justice. Justice and Righteousness are the essential elements of God's judgment. God is the ONLY One who can render judgement. No one can earn their way into Heaven. Our eternity is a gift given freely by God to all who believe in Him, believe He sent His One and Only Son to die for our sins, and who confess that they have sinned and need God in their lives. No one taught God what is just and right. He just knows. We mere humans have to be taught what is right and what is just.
Who Can Judge?
ONLY God can render Judgement. It is not my place nor is it your place to pass Judgment on our brothers and sisters. Look at Matthew 7:1-5 above. Jesus clearly tells us that we are not to judge one another. Instead, we should ensure that our own lives are right with God. I know you're wondering but aren't we suppose to edify one another? Yes, we are to encourage one another. We are to build one another up. There is a great difference in building someone up and being a stumbling block. When we show and teach people how to grow in a loving and non-threatening way, then we are encouraging. When we are constantly pointing out faults, judging others, saying harsh words, and tearing them down, we become HUGE stumbling blocks that may even DERAIL their faith in God. I certainly don't want to cause someone to lose faith in God! This is why it is so important to first make certain we are right with God. Then, we must make every effort not to judge but to be encouragers.
Prayer:
Dear Father - Thank you for teaching us about judgement. Help each one of us to look at our own lives to make certain we are on the path You have chosen for us. Help us not to judge others but rather to be encouragers and shine your love and light to all we meet. In Your Son's Precious Name, Amen!
Thank you for stopping by this week for Blogging Through the Alphabet. Please take a moment to stop by the host sites: A Net in Time and Hopkins Homeschool to find out more interesting things about the Letter J.
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