Title
There Is Always One More Side
Scripture
The first one to plead his cause seems right, Until his neighbor comes and examines him.
(Proverbs 18:17)
Devotional
No matter how crystal clear and genuine an account may sound, there is always at least one thing which you do not know. There are always at least two sides to every story, and usually they are only in part. Everyone will explain their view with a bias; and everyone will hear with a bias. Therefore, be slow to receive an accusation against another. Likewise, be slow to make life-changing decisions based on a single source. Be an information gatherer. Make your judgments spiritually, as well as cognitively. Do not receive an accusation against an authority on the word of one witness. If someone makes an accusation against another, take the accuser to the accused, and let them speak in each other's presence. Nine out of ten times, the allegation will be resolved. Do this, and you will be known as a peacemaker. Do this, and your decisions will be right.
Text For The Day
Proverbs 18:17: The first one to plead his cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him.
Thought For The Day
“The secret of our relationships with one another in the Christian Church, especially when we have our differences, is “Jesus Christ is Lord.” To despise or stand in judgment on a fellow Christian isn’t just a breach of fellowship. It is a denial of the Lordship of Jesus. I need to say to myself, who am I, that I should cast myself in the role of another Christian’s lord and judge? I must be willing for Jesus Christ to be not only my Lord and Judge, but also my fellow Christians’ Lord and Judge. ... I must not interfere with Christ’s Lordship over other Christians.” John R.W. Stott, The Gospel, the Spirit, the Church
Questions To Ponder
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Will the judgment seat of Christ be on the word of human witnesses?
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Will not God judge the world on the Word of His Triune-Self?
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If judgments have to be made (and they do not always have to be made) should they not be made with at least two or three witnesses?
Morning Study Guide
Defining: “Judging” is more than forming an opinion. It is the convicting of sin or righteousness. Many misinterpret judging for spiritual discernment. The difference is that spiritual discernment reveals sin, while judgment reviles the sinner.
Referencing: “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven,” Luke 6:37.
Applying: Remember, there will always be at least one thing you do not know about any given situation. Always!