An Open Hand, Not a Pointing Finger
Two friends leaning in, a quiet picture of mercy listening before it speaks.
Devotional Credit: eManna by Witness Lee
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Matthew 7 calls us away from a quick verdict toward a caring heart. The Lord says, do not judge, and then He tells us why. The measure I use on others circles back to me. That is not meant to scare me into silence. It is an invitation to love people more than I love my opinions.
Witness Lee helps me see the surprise inside this command. Not judging is not indifference. It is active care. If I dislike being sized up, others do too. If I wince when someone assumes the worst about me, others feel that same sting. Kingdom people carry a humble spirit. We look first at our own hearts, then we seek the good of our neighbor.
This is where the life of abiding in Jesus changes the tone of a day. When I remember how kindly the Lord has handled me, I become slower to label and quicker to listen. Mercy becomes my default. Truth stays on the table. The difference is the spirit I bring into the conversation.
So today’s call is simple and freeing. Take care of people. Weigh words. Choose mercy over suspicion. Ask the Spirit to help you see the person, not just the problem. Let the One who knows every motive lead you into patient, honest love.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I am gentle and lowly in heart, and I dwell in you. Judge not, that you be not judged. With the measure you use it will be measured to you. I teach you to take the log from your own eye, then you will see clearly to help another with grace. As you have received mercy, show mercy. Judgment without mercy is harsh, but mercy triumphs over judgment.
I call you to restore the one who is caught in any trespass with a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself. Bear one another’s burdens. Speak the truth in love. Let your words be gracious, seasoned for good. Put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Forgive as the Lord has forgiven you.
Do not pass judgment on the servant of another. Who are you to judge your neighbor. Do not speak evil of one another. Leave hidden things to Me. I will bring to light what is in the dark. Use righteous judgment, not appearances. Abound in brotherly affection. Aim at what makes for peace and mutual upbuilding.
I lead you to remember the kindness that brought you to repentance. I steady your heart to answer softly, to walk humbly with your God, to honor everyone, and to keep your conduct honorable. Abide in Me. As you trust Me, I will love through you in ordinary conversations, and your measure will be mercy.
Scripture references: Matthew 7:1 to 5, Luke 6:37 to 38, James 2:13, Galatians 6:1 to 2, Ephesians 4:15, Colossians 4:6, Colossians 3:12 to 13, Romans 14:4, James 4:11 to 12, 1 Corinthians 4:5, John 7:24, Romans 12:10, Romans 14:19, Romans 2:4, Proverbs 15:1, Micah 6:8, 1 Peter 2:12, Matthew 11:29, John 15:4 to 5.
Real-Life Analogy
Think of noise reduction on a phone call. When the setting is on, background static fades, and the person’s voice comes through clean. The Holy Spirit does that in us. He quiets the inner static of suspicion and defensiveness, so we can actually hear the person in front of us and respond with kindness.
Try this today. Before a sensitive conversation, pause and whisper, Lord, I trust You to lower the static in me and speak through me with mercy and truth right now. Then ask one clarifying question, listen without interrupting, and offer a response that aims for peace and honesty.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You for the kindness that keeps winning my heart. Thank You that in Jesus I am forgiven, accepted, and indwelt by Your Spirit. I receive this day as a place to care for people instead of sizing them up. I praise You that Your mercy toward me becomes mercy through me. Lord, I trust You to guide my tone, my timing, and my words, so that love is what people feel when they are with me.