SCRIPTURE

“And so my judgment is that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. - Acts 15:19 NLT

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PRAYER

Jesus,

There are so many people who have either left their faith, are doubting their faith, or may not have even met you yet. I know in my mind the truth about you and how you have rescued me from my “before,” how I lived, the broken person I was before I knew you, and the days I spent in the wilderness. I have experienced you as a completely transformed person, with a new heart to love you and those you love. I am convinced of your sacrifice on my behalf, your death and resurrection, the promise I have in you. Lord, please remove all stumbling blocks I may be placing in front of others to know you. Convict me of judgment that is not my business, shunning, excluding, legalism—anything that repels instead of reconciles people to you. This is how I can show you I love you: by loving others into loving you.

Amen.

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JOURNAL REFLECTION

Be honest. No one is looking. Have you ever made it hard for someone to love Jesus? Even just a little? Have you judged their lifestyle? James, the brother of Jesus, says the judgment we should make is to not make it difficult for someone to turn to God. Who do you know who you can make it easy to turn toward God? How will you make it easy?

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CALL TO ACTION

Today’s reflection calls for us to take a hard look at our hearts and motivations. How often do we say we aren’t judging someone, when deep down, we keep a tally of their iniquities and shortcomings to use against them? Take time in stillness and quiet today to be honest with God. Ask for his forgiveness if you have “made it hard for someone to love Jesus” or if you are holding onto judgment. Ask him to replace the reflex to judge with a heart of kindness, gratitude, and compassion.