Today's Verse: Romans 14:4

Monday, November 14, 2005

Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
— Romans 14:4

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The apostle Paul warned early believers against passing judgment on other Christians in matters not central to the faith. He also reminded them of whose job it is to judge in these matters — the Lord. He also emphasized that the person on whom they passed judgment belonged to the Lord — that person was HIS servant. Paul then asked them (and us) what right do anyone has to pass judgment on a person for whom Christ died and who is also a servant who belongs to the Lord?
Unfortunately, we can find fault and pass judgment on others about something nonessential while never dealing with the sin in our lives. We must not judge other believers in matters that are not central to our faith. We will answer to God for our sin and our judgementalism. Jesus warned that the harshness we use to judge others will be the harshness the Lord will use with us.

Video Commentary...

We've included Phil's ToGather video from four years ago as an added blessing to our verse today:

My Prayer...

Father, forgive me. I confess that I have wrongly passed judgment on others when I had no right or authority to do so. I know Jesus died to redeem them. I know you love them and have a plan for each of them. Please use me to be an encouragement, never a stumbling block, to your children. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, November 14, 2005

A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
"They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray....."
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
"The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the..."
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
"The poor man thought, "If I had a penny for every time I knew the Lord blessed me I would be a millionaire." Then he continued, "But if I had a penny for..."

Illustration

Illustration of Romans 14:4 — Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.