"Don't criticize one another, brothers and sisters." James 4:11 (CSB)

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In this time of instant communication, we have immediate access to information about the lives, failures and faults of fellow believers. Often, without knowing anything except the most basic facts (or falsehoods) we make judgments and pronouncements about them. We become critics and slanderers of fellow believers.

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James tells us to stop criticizing and defaming each other. Criticizing others becomes a substitute for doing ministry. Even when someone sins, judging them is like kicking a person when he is down. We should never gloat over someone who falls. If we do, we fail to realize that none of us is beyond temptation, and any one of us can sin.

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I believe we all need the attitude of David when the leader of Israel, King Saul, was killed in battle. Even though Saul had repeatedly tried to kill David, when Saul was killed, David said this: "Your glory, O Israel, lies slain on your heights. How the mighty have fallen! Tell it not in Gath, proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines be glad, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised rejoice."

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PRAYER: Father, forgive me for being a critic or having a critical spirit. Help me to encourage others the way You encourage me. Help me truly mourn for believer who falls into sin as I would mourn for a wayward child. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.