The Set-Up
If I’m being truly vulnerable and honest, one thing I really struggle with is being questioned, especially if someone is questioning or making assumptions about my character. I like to think of myself as a pretty patient person, but having someone question my character or motives instantly sets me off.
Because feeling like my character is being unfairly judged is something I personally struggle with, I appreciate Paul’s words in today’s passage: “It is the Lord who judges me” (1 Corinthians 4:4).
Paul isn’t saying that we are above reproach. In the following chapter, Paul actually gives his readers permission to “judge” someone for their sinful behavior. It’s also included elsewhere in Scripture that we should lovingly point out issues in our friends’ lives; Proverbs tells us that an open rebuke is better than hidden love and that a wound from a friend is better than affection from an enemy (Proverbs 27:5-7).
Paul’s issue here is that the Corinthian believers weren’t respecting his authority as an apostle. The Corinthians were pretty full of themselves – many felt that they were elite citizens with influence and importance in society. In contrast, Paul was a traveling missionary with little money and was regularly beaten for his proclamation of the gospel. It seems like Paul was an embarrassment to them. Why couldn’t he just stop making a scene?!
The thing I find most inspiring about Paul is that he is never swayed by the public’s opinion of him. His main concern is always about sharing the gospel with others, even if that means acting against traditions or propriety (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). He is able to live this way because he knows where his true justification lies – in the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
It is impossible for us to please everyone. People have their own experiences and opinions; sometimes those things get projected onto us, and we get unfairly judged or criticized. But that’s okay, even when it’s hard and incredibly unfair. Ultimately, God is the only one who truly knows our hearts; He knows the motivations behind our actions. We might be judged unfairly by others, but we will never be judged unfairly by God.
Passage to Read
Reflection Questions
Have you ever experienced someone judging you unfairly or questioning your motives/intentions? How did you feel?
In verse 5, Paul writes, “So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns.” What do you think this means?
Also in verse 5, Paul writes, “For he (God) will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.” What do you think about Paul’s statement here? What does this tell you about your future?
Prayer Idea
Thank God that our salvation and justification is found through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We have nothing we have to prove to anyone else; Jesus already took care of all of our sins – past, present, and future. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you not unfairly judge those around you, especially their motives or intentions.