FACEDOWN 40 Day 3

Fast From Judging

Written by Fracis Frangipane

Meditation:

"So speak and so act, as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:12-13).

Reflection:

In times of fasting and seeking God, there are a number of strategic access points with the Almighty. We should approach Him with worship and praise; we come in humility, bowing low in adoration. We can proclaim His word back to Him in faith, agreeing with His expressed purpose for earth as He has revealed in His word.

Likewise, there are many avenues of expression concerning fasting as well. There are partial fasts, fasts from food in general. We can also fast from sweets or “Daniel fasts,” which limit food intake to just vegetables. During times of fasting, people might find going without television or other forms of entertainment a suitable form of self-denial.

Yet let me encourage you add another type of fasting to this time: fast from judging people. One of the reasons we do not make more progress spiritually is because of innate attitudes of self-righteousness, which manifest as being judgmental. If we are humbling ourselves, let us remember, the act of judging another Christian is most often an act of religious pride. Every time we judge someone else, we ourselves are judged. We can’t blame the devil, for this is a battle that comes from our lack of love. What, then, shall we do with what we see? When we discern a sin or need in another, instead of judging that person, let us intercede for them instead. Anyone can judge, but it takes the nature of Christ to see the need and move in redemptive intercession for that individual.

Prayer:

Master, it was mercy that drew You from heaven to suffer and die for men on earth. Even when You judged us and spoke of our sin, it was not without the laying down of Your life for us. We would follow in Your footsteps. Deliver us from loveless judging. Create in us the vision to see men as they might become, once transformed by Your redemptive grace