Blessings!
Today’s Promise is James 5:9 CJB:
“Don’t grumble against one another, brothers, so that you won’t come under condemnation — look! the Judge is standing at the door!”
Devotion:
When we are not abiding in Christ, focusing instead on ourselves, we can quickly lose sight of the fact that we are more than individuals, believing in the same God. We are connected to one another through Christ. One Body. When we attack one of our members, we attack ourselves, and as Jesus is our Head, we attack Him as well. Satan loves this. Grumbling, complaining, gossiping, mocking, and like behaviors within the Body of Christ are comparable to poison within the physical body, causing destruction and death. In fact, these behaviors should not be practiced by any child of God. Period. We should defend one another fiercely, rebuking the spirit of judgement when it arises in us and when we encounter it among other believers. Not because we are holier than they are, but because we don’t want them to come under condemnation either. Remember what happened to the grumbling Israelites? And God isn’t the only one who judges. The world is watching. Waiting for our faith to come to nothing. I don’t want to be the one who proves that to them. Do you?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, please forgive me for the times I have grumbled, complained, or gossiped about those within or without Your Body, in Jesus’ name. I have no business judging others and spreading poison with my tongue, for I am a fallen creature as well, redeemed only by Your grace. Please help me use only words that lift up the Body and bring healing and unity. Make me a salve to the wounded and a binding to the broken, that the world might see Your love and power through me. Amen.
Have a victorious day in the Lord!
Rebecca
