Few sins are as subtle yet as destructive, as judging the motives of others. Unlike actions, which can be seen and weighed, motives belong to the secret chambers of the heart territory reserved for God alone. When we presume to know why someone acts in a certain way, we trespass into God's jurisdiction. We are usurping the throne of God, who alone can infallibly search hearts and minds and motives. "There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?" (James 4:12)
Paul reminds us that the Lord will one day reveal the secret motives of every heart. "Judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts." (1 Corinthians 4:5) Until then, our call is to love to assume the best, to cover in love, to entrust hidden things to God. The humble heart says, "I am not God, so I dare not judge the secret motives of others."
Scripture masterfully summarizes the antidote: "Love…
bears all things,
believes all things,
hopes all things,
endures all things." (1 Corinthians 13:7)
Love gives the benefit of the doubt; it presumes sincerity until clearly proven otherwise. A heart ruled by Christ, errs on the side of grace.
Lord, forgive me for the arrogance of assuming that I know the hidden motives of others. Teach me to walk in humility and love. Guard my mind from judging the motives of others,
my tongue from slander,
and my heart from pride.
May I be found faithful in judging my own sin, while leaving the secrets of others to Your perfect wisdom.
[Charles H. Spurgeon]
Matthew 7:3 ... And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
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