When Grace Disarms the Judge Within
Wiping the lens clean, a quiet picture of grace clearing my view.
Devotional Credit: Immeasurably More, Ray Stedman
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Romans 2:1 holds up a mirror. It shows how easy it is to see what is wrong in someone else while missing the same patterns in ourselves. Ray Stedman points out how we dodge this mirror. We miss our own blind spots. We forget what we have done. We rename our faults so they look smaller. The point is not to shame us. The point is to bring us back to Jesus where mercy and truth meet.
Reading this, I am reminded that the good news does not make me a referee. The good news roots me in the righteousness of Jesus and invites me to walk humbly. If I live from union with Him, the habit of condemning others begins to loosen. My words can move from accusation to invitation, from pressure to peace.
Stedman’s wisdom lands with hope. The Holy Spirit gently exposes what my eyes miss, then points me to the cross where judgment fell on Jesus. From there He leads me to restore others with a spirit of gentleness, mindful that apart from grace I stumble in the same ways. This is not pretending that wrong is right. This is learning to see as the Lord sees, with justice, kindness, and humility.
So today I receive this as a call to walk in the light. Not to police the room, but to remain available for the life of Jesus to express patience, honesty, and quiet courage through me. That kind of love has weight. That kind of love comes from abiding, not from lecturing.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I search you and know you. I lead you in the way everlasting. When you are quick to judge, remember that judgment without mercy is harsh, and mercy rejoices over judgment. Consider the measure you use, since it returns to you. Before you address a speck, let me remove the log. I give you a sober mind so you think with humility. I remind you that there is no condemnation for you in Christ Jesus, therefore extend the grace you have received.
I call you to restore the one who is caught, not with superiority, but with gentleness, watching yourself. I teach you to speak the truth in love, seasoned with grace, fitting the moment. I form in you tenderhearted kindness, forgiving as God in Christ forgave you. I set your mind on things above so that love patiently bears, believes, hopes, and endures.
I keep you near the cross. While you were still a sinner, God demonstrated love for you in the death of His Son. You are justified by His blood. Who can bring a charge against God’s elect. It is God who justifies. Let this assurance quiet the judge within. Walk by the Spirit. Abide in the Vine. From union with Jesus flows the life that fulfills the law through love.
Scripture references: Romans 2:1 to 4, Psalm 139:23 to 24, James 2:13, Matthew 7:1 to 5, Luke 6:37 to 38, Romans 12:3, Romans 8:1 to 4, Galatians 6:1, Ephesians 4:15, Colossians 4:6, Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:12 to 13, Colossians 3:2, 1 Corinthians 13:4 to 7, Romans 5:8 to 9, Romans 8:33 to 34, Galatians 5:16, John 15:4 to 5.
Real-Life Analogy
Think about smudged eyeglasses. When the lenses are streaked, I assume the world is blurry, but the problem sits right on my face. A simple wipe brings everything into focus. Judgment can feel like that blur. I assume the real issue is out there, yet the Spirit points to a streak on my own lens, then brings clarity as I yield.
Try this today. Before you reply to a sharp message, pause and look to the Lord. Pray, Lord, I trust You to live Your life in me and through me in this moment. Then answer with a clear tone, steady pace, and words that aim for restoration rather than a win.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You that in Jesus there is no condemnation for me. Thank You for kindness that led me to repentance and for mercy that meets me again today. I receive a sober mind and a gentle spirit. I present my words and reactions to You. Lord, I trust You to live Your life in me and through me in this moment. Let Your love be the strength of my steps and the flavor of my speech. I rejoice that You complete what You begin.