Let’s be real. Some of us like to fix other people. They have problems that we can fix.
We can tell them what is wrong with them. We know the root cause of their problem. We know what they are doing wrong.
A lot of times, when we “try” to fix others, it goes badly.
In James 4:11-12, he gives us some practical wisdom to add to our life.
“Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you. God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor? (NLT)
When we try to take charge of others, we are judging them. We are speaking against them and putting them down.
Many times when we do this, the person is not present. We do it behind their back. We discuss their problems with others.
Often we don’t know all of the facts of the situation. We only see parts or have heard parts of the true story.
Only God knows the full story.
When we put people down, we are ignoring our faults and failures.
We should not do that.
If we believe someone is wrong or acting improperly, we should confront them in private at the right time and with the right tone.
Proverbs 27:6 tells us, “Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.” (NLT)
When we condemn others, we step into the role only God is qualified to fill.
He is and will be the judge of all. He alone is blameless and sinless. He is the only one that is good.
Let’s purpose to stop putting others down. We are not their judge. In eternity, they will not answer to us, but God. We are not in charge of them.
“Lord, help me to stop putting other people down. I am not in charge of them. You are. Help me to love and pray for them. Jesus’ Name, Amen”
Amen.