James: Faith in ActionSample

Love Others, Don't Judge Them

Judging other people comes so easily. Day after day we take notice of what other people are doing, or what they're wearing, or what they're saying, and then call them out on it, either with words or thoughts. We're holding them to our own standards when we think or say: "He's being such an idiot," or "Her clothes are so ugly," or laughing at someone for the way they talk. We even do it to other followers of Jesus, our Christian brothers and sisters.

God doesn't want us to judge; He wants us to love. It's God's role to judge, and we're told to leave that in His hands. If we judge other people, we're taking on His role and saying, whether we mean to or not, that we can do it better than Him. Instead, whether we consider someone our friend or our enemy, we should show them kindness. Why? Because God did it first. Romans 5:8 tells us that while we were sinners and disobeying Him, God still showed us love by sending Jesus to die for us. The least we can do it show that love to others too.

Questions:

1. Why do you think James says Christians are "brothers and sisters" to one another? What does it say about the closeness of our relationships at church?
2. Samaritans and Jews were enemies. Thinking about that, what's so surprising about the story Jesus tells in Luke 10?
3. Who could you show God's kindness to in your life? Think of someone in your life, pray for them, and then do something that shows you care about them. Maybe you could do something with them that they enjoy, help them out at school, or stand up for them if they get bullied. 

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for showing love and kindness by sending Jesus to die for me. I'm sorry for the times that I have judged others. Please help me to show kindness instead so that I can be an example of Your love. Amen.