BE SLOW TO CONDEMN

TEXT: JOB 22:21-30.
🔑KEY VERSE “When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person” (JOB 22:29).

Sometimes, we think we have a better knowledge of what God commands than others. Worse still, we inadvertently erect a standard of expectation for others far beyond what God demands. Some people feel good doing this because they believe they’re helping them. But in reality, they are destroying whatever little faith in God others have left.

Such was the effect of the words of Job’s friend, Eliphaz. When he started his speech, he commended Job for all the good and notable things he had done. But soon, he began to hint that there may be need for him to repent from some unknown sins. He urged him to turn to God and be forgiven. Thereafter, he would begin to prosper greatly; the Almighty shall protect him, and he would delight in God. When he prays, God will hear; whatever he decrees shall be done. God should shine His light on him; lift him up and save him from all his troubles. These are all truths; only that they did not apply to Job and his circumstances.

Many injuries have been inflicted as a result of rash judgements and insinuations that are totally untrue.

Some young believers in faith have had to backslide as a result to receiving condemnation from those whose duty is to make them grounded in faith.

We must ensure at all times that we do not condemn those God has justified. Even when we see people suffering from many adversities, we must not hastily assume that it is because of their sins. Of course, where we see obvious sins, we should encourage them to repent and turn to God. But if they are living as believers, we should assure them of the unfailing promises of God and affirm to them His faithfulness to help His children.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Lift up the hands which hang down and the feeble knees.

BIBLE IN A YEAR: JUDGES 14-17.

MEDITATION

The ancient and immutable truths

1. There are 10 conditions for blessings in the text. Check them out?
   Q Which one are you unfaithful in? What is your decision on them now?
   Ask God to forgive you for unfaithfulness
   Pray to God to give you grace as you promise to change
2. There are 10 blessings highlighted for you in the text. Let each sink into your heart.
   Q Which one of them is lacking or not sufficiently fulfilled in your life?
   Call upon God to come and fulfill His promises fully in your life
   Call upon God that the promised abundance of God will be visible in the life of every member of the Church

HYMN There shall be showers of blessings

1. There shall be showers of blessing:
   This is the promise of love;
   There shall be seasons refreshing,
   Sent from the Savior above.
   Chorus
   Showers of blessing,
   Showers of blessing we need;
   Mercy-drops round us are falling,
   But for the showers we plead.
   2
   There shall be showers of blessing—
   Precious reviving again;
   Over the hills and the valleys,
   Sound of abundance of rain.
   3
   There shall be showers of blessing;
   Send them upon us, O Lord!
   Grant to us now a refreshing;
   Come, and now honor Thy Word.
   4
   There shall be showers of blessing;
   O that today they might fall,
   Now as to God we’re confessing,
   Now as on Jesus we call!
   5
   There shall be showers of blessing,
   If we but trust and obey;
   There shall be seasons refreshing,
   If we let God have His way.