Don’t Judge a Book By It’s Cover

Text: 1 Timothy 5:22-25
Theme: “Beware that people can hide their sins and good works well.
Key verses: “Don’t be too quick to lay hands upon another or share in the sins of others–stay clean” (v. 22). “Some people’s sins are clearly on display…But it’s not so easy with other people because their sins trail behind and don’t catch up to them until later. The same is true regarding good works; some are there for all to see. Other people’s works can be inconspicuous, but at the final judgment, they cannot remain hidden” (v. 24-25).
What God said to me: Dwayne, glad you join me this morning. Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted in the heavens. I will be exalted in the earth. My ways are not your ways and my thoughts are not your thoughts. Don’t assume they are. My judgments are past finding out. Who can the mind of the Lord your God? I search the hearts of people and I know their secret thoughts and motives. YOu don’t. Paul wasn’t saying don’t ever confront and discipline people. He was simply saying be very careful before you do. Make every effort to verify rumors and accusations against your church family–for you don’t know what sins or good works they may be hiding. You can and should only judge what you can see, outward actions and words that serve as evidence to commend or convict. That is why it’s so important that you pray for one another and encourage each other. You never know what a person might be going through or involved with. Just know it will all come out at the judgment.
What I said to God: Thank You Father for this clear and cautionary word today. I humble myself before You and ask You to grant me discernment with others and patience wiht them as well. I’m grateful people don’t know “the real me” at times. I’m even more grateful that You forgive and restore me when I sin. May I be quick to forgive others as well.