1 Corinthians 4:5 - Win for Chrst

 

1 Corinthians 4:5

 

NKJV

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.

 

NLT

So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.

 

This verse sounds like a warning, doesn’t it?  I believe we are all capable of judging others just because they don’t think like we do.  I know I’m guilty of that.  I think when we consider judging others, we should look at what the Word says about that first in Romans 3:23 (all of have sinned and fall short of the glory of God).  We were all in the same boat at one time or another.

 

The verse above says God will bring our darkest secrets to light.  What in the world?  Didn’t He already forgive me for those?  The answer is yes, but here’s my thought on this.  Typically, as believers, when we’re judging others, we are choosing to ignore our own issues, things like sin we’re hiding from everyone that we keep returning to.  Things like our anger when that hot button issue comes up and we throw our judgement out like a knife.

 

Should we ignore an untruth, when it comes to God’s word?  Certainly not!  But how hard is it to speak the truth in love?  Jesus spoke truth and said go and sin no more.  He didn’t waste His time is useless arguments.  So, let’s not waste our time speaking anything but truth.  Remember God made every person we come in contact with, regardless of if we like them or not.  Our judgement is coming, just the same as everyone else.  Arguments don’t win anyone to Christ and He died for everyone….not just the people we like.

 

Win for Christ,

cej