What’s the Difference Between Judging and Blaming?
QUESTION:
Praise the Lord Jesus. I’m seeking clarity on something that confuses many Christians. What is the difference between judging and blaming? The Bible clearly says not to judge, but what about situations where someone is deliberately living in sin if you call it out, are you judging them?
ANSWER:
This is an important question, and one that requires us to examine Scripture carefully. Many believers struggle to distinguish between judging, blaming, and speaking the truth in love yet these are not the same, and each has a different heart posture and consequence.
1. Judging: Declaring Someone’s Final Verdict
Biblical Definition:
To judge, in the context condemned by Jesus, is to pass final verdict on someone as if you were God assigning them to condemnation, assuming they are beyond redemption. This is what Jesus forbids in Luke 6:37 (NIV):
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
Judging involves assuming a superior position. It often expresses itself through harsh labeling: calling someone a “devil,” “hell bound,” or saying they can never change or be saved. This kind of judgment is rooted in pride and lacks both truth and grace.
Jesus warned against this in Matthew 7:1–2 (NIV):
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Only God knows a person’s heart and final destiny. As the apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 14:4 (NIV):
“Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.”
2. Blaming: Fault Finding With a Spirit of Superiority
Blaming is the habit of criticizing others with a mindset that says, “I would have done better.” It lacks grace and tends to magnify others’ faults while minimizing one’s own.
It is often driven by self righteousness. In the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, Jesus described a man who essentially blamed others for not being as “righteous” as he was:
Luke 18:11 (NIV):
“The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people robbers, evildoers, adulterers or even like this tax collector.’”
People who blame often don’t seek restoration or understanding. Their focus is on proving others wrong. Even when something good is done like a positive development by a leader they will pick it apart with negative suggestions, questioning every decision.
Scripture reminds us that all have sinned (Romans 3:23), and we ought to be gracious because we ourselves need grace.
3. Speaking the Truth in Love: A Biblical Mandate
Now, speaking the truth is not the same as judging or blaming. The Bible commands believers to speak the truth but always with love and humility.
Ephesians 4:15 (NIV):
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
For example, telling someone that drunkenness, fornication, or idolatry leads to eternal separation from God is not judgment it’s sharing God’s Word. The truth is clearly laid out in Scripture:
1 Corinthians 6:9–10 (NIV):
“Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
Telling someone these truths isn’t pronouncing their doom it’s warning them so they can repent and receive grace. It’s like warning a child not to play near a deep pit not because you’ve decided their fate, but because you want to protect them.
Jesus Himself told sinners the truth about their condition (John 8:11), but He also extended grace. He said, “Go now and leave your life of sin.” That’s the perfect balance truth and love.
4. The Danger of Misunderstanding Truth as Judgment
Many people today interpret any biblical correction as “judgment.” But correction is a form of love:
Proverbs 27:5–6 (NIV):
“Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
If a preacher says, “Those who live in unrepentant sin are headed for hell,” that’s not judgment it’s a warning born out of love. The intention is not to condemn, but to lead people to repentance:
2 Peter 3:9 (NIV):
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise… Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
5. Only God Judges the Final Outcome
Only God knows the end of every person. If someone comes to you and says, “You are going to hell,” they’ve taken God’s place. But if they say, “According to the Bible, your current path leads to destruction please repent,” they are showing love.
James 4:12 (NIV):
“There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you who are you to judge your neighbor?”
Both judging and blaming are attitudes of the heart that God opposes. They stem from pride and self righteousness. But speaking the truth in love, with humility and a desire to see others restored, is the heart of the Gospel.
Let’s remember:
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Judging condemns.
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Blaming criticizes without grace.
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Truth in love warns and invites repentance.
May we walk in truth, humility, and compassion just as Christ did.
Shalom.
What Does It Mean to Worship Angels? (Colossians 2:18)
Question: What does the phrase “worshiping angels” mean, as mentioned in Colossians 2:18?
Colossians 2:18 (NIV):
“Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind.”
When the Gentile believers first received the gospel, they were transitioning directly from paganism into Christianity. Their understanding of the spiritual realm was often limited or confused, especially regarding the role and nature of angels. This lack of foundation sometimes led to errors in worship.
The Bible clearly distinguishes the unique divinity of Christ from created beings such as angels. Angels are ministering spirits sent by God to serve His people
(Hebrews 1:14, ESV: “Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?”).
They are powerful and holy but remain creatures created beings unlike Jesus Christ, who is God incarnate.
In Colossae, some believers began to mistake angelic ministry for divine status, assuming angels shared Christ’s authority and worthiness of worship. This led to the dangerous practice of worshiping angels, which Paul warns against. Worship belongs to God alone (Exodus 20:3-5).
A parallel example is found in the book of Revelation. The Apostle John, while receiving visions on Patmos, attempted to worship an angel who delivered God’s message. The angel immediately corrected him, saying:
Revelation 22:8-9 (NIV):
“I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. When I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. But he said to me, ‘Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!’”
This correction underscores the biblical principle that worship is reserved for God alone.
- Worshiping angels undermines the unique supremacy and sufficiency of Christ as Lord and Savior.
- Prayers and devotion must be directed to God through Jesus Christ (John 14:6).
- Angelic beings, while honored as God’s servants, are not objects of worship.
- The error of angel worship echoes pagan practices and can easily infiltrate the church if believers lack sound doctrine.
Some modern traditions, like certain Catholic practices involving prayers to guardian angels, can blur this line. While it’s biblical to recognize angels’ protective roles, Scripture teaches that all prayers and worship should be directed to God alone, through Christ.
Paul’s admonition serves as a timeless warning, especially for prophetic ministries that receive messages through angelic beings. These messengers must never be conflated with God Himself. As Hebrews 1:6 (ESV) states:
“And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, ‘Let all God’s angels worship him.’”
This verse affirms that angels worship Christ, highlighting His unique divine status
The phrase “worshiping angels” in Colossians 2:18 refers to a serious theological error where believers mistakenly give to angels the honor and worship due to God alone. This error arises from misunderstanding the distinct nature and role of angels versus Christ. Scripture consistently teaches that worship belongs solely to God, and even angels themselves worship Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Shalom
Compassion, Mercy, and Kindness: Just as Your Father is Merciful (Luke 6:36, NIV)
Compassion is a fundamental virtue that every believer who has received Christ into their life must embody. It reflects the very nature of God Himself, who is rich in mercy and compassion (Psalm 103:8).
Why must we be compassionate? Because our Heavenly Father is compassionate (Luke 6:36, NIV: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful”). As children of God, we are called to imitate His character (Ephesians 5:1-2). Compassion is not just a feeling but an active response to human suffering and need, rooted in God’s unconditional love (1 John 4:7-8).
Distinguishing Compassion and Mercy
The Bible uses both compassion and mercy, which are closely related but have nuanced differences:
- Mercy (Greek: eleos) broadly means withholding punishment or granting forgiveness to someone who deserves judgment. It is a foundational attribute of God, who withholds deserved wrath and offers grace (Titus 3:5).
- Compassion (Greek: splagchnizomai) refers to a deep, visceral empathy leading to action literally, being moved “in the inward parts” (bowels, or gut). It’s a compassion that moves one to alleviate suffering (Matthew 9:36; Mark 1:41).
For example, a soldier sparing a surrendering enemy out of empathy and understanding is showing compassion. Simply sparing the enemy out of duty or obligation is an act of mercy.
Biblical Examples of Compassion
1) Compassion for the Sick
Jesus’ healing ministry was driven by compassion, not just power or obligation. Mark 1:40-42 (NIV) describes a man with leprosy pleading for healing. Jesus, “moved with compassion,” touched and healed him. This reveals that compassion involves entering into another’s suffering and responding personally (Hebrews 4:15).
When we witness illness and suffering, our response should mirror Christ’s. Compassion calls us to stand with the afflicted and pray, support, and care.
2) Compassion for the Needy
True compassion extends beyond feelings into tangible help for those in material need. 1 John 3:17-18 (NIV) challenges believers: “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? … let us love not with words but with actions and in truth.”
God’s compassion manifests through generosity and sharing, reflecting His heart for the poor and marginalized (Proverbs 19:17).
3) Compassion for Those in Crisis
The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37, NIV) vividly portrays compassion as action: a Samaritan risks time and resources to care for a stranger beaten and left for dead. Jesus contrasts the Samaritan’s compassion with the indifference of the priest and Levite, challenging us to love beyond social or religious boundaries.
Compassion here is sacrificial and practical, breaking through barriers to restore life and dignity.
4) Compassion for Backsliders
The prodigal son’s story (Luke 15:11-32, NIV) beautifully illustrates God’s compassionate heart toward repentant sinners. The father’s running to embrace his lost son symbolizes divine grace welcoming the repentant without condemnation.
As believers, we must reflect this compassion, encouraging and restoring those who have strayed (Galatians 6:1).
5) Compassion Within the Body of Christ
The church is called to live out compassion internally. Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) exhorts: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” This mutual compassion sustains unity and reflects God’s mercy.
Compassion in Scripture is more than emotional sympathy; it is a divine attribute and a commanded lifestyle for believers. It flows from God’s own nature (Exodus 34:6), demonstrated supremely in Christ’s incarnation God entering human suffering (John 1:14). Believers are called to be imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1), who express compassion tangibly.
Moreover, compassion is intrinsically linked to agape love the selfless, sacrificial love God commands (1 Corinthians 13). It is both a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and a mark of authentic discipleship (John 13:34-35).
May we, empowered by the Holy Spirit, embody God’s compassion responding actively to the suffering and needs around us, reflecting the heart of our merciful Father. As Jesus commands us in Luke 6:36, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
Shalom
THE KEYS HELD BY ZELOPHEHAD’S FIVE DAUGHTERS
Glory be to our Lord Jesus Christ forever. Welcome as we dive into an inspiring biblical story that highlights faith, justice, and God’s unfolding revelation in His covenant people.
Introduction: Context and Significance
In the Old Testament, we encounter the story of Zelophehad’s five daughters (Numbers 27:1-11), a narrative that challenges cultural norms and reveals God’s justice and mercy. These women from the tribe of Manasseh courageously stepped forward to claim their inheritance an act that ultimately led to a significant legal reform in Israel.
The story takes place during the Israelites’ wilderness journey from Egypt to Canaan. God, through Moses, was preparing to distribute the Promised Land according to tribal allotments (Numbers 26:52-56). Each tribe’s share was proportional to its size, with Judah being the largest and Manasseh among the smaller tribes (Numbers 26:62).
Inheritance laws in ancient Israel were patriarchal: property passed through male heirs to maintain tribal land holdings and family lineage (Deuteronomy 21:15-17). Women traditionally did not inherit land, which made Zelophehad’s daughters’ case unprecedented.
The Story: A Bold Petition for Justice
Zelophehad died without sons, and according to custom, his inheritance was at risk of being lost to his family line (Numbers 27:3 NIV):
“Our father died in the wilderness. He was not among Korah’s followers who banded together against the Lord, but he died for his own sin and left no sons.”
His daughters Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milkah, and Tirzah came forward with a bold plea (Numbers 27:4-5 NIV):
“Why should our father’s name disappear from his clan because he had no son? Give us property among our father’s relatives.”
Moses brought their case before God, who affirmed their claim, establishing a new legal precedent (Numbers 27:7-11 ESV):
“The daughters of Zelophehad speak rightly. You shall surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father’s brothers, and cause the inheritance of their father to pass to them… If a man dies and has no son, then you shall cause his inheritance to pass to his daughter.”
- God’s Justice and Inclusiveness
This narrative reveals God’s concern for justice and the inclusion of women within His covenant community. Though patriarchal customs prevailed, God’s response showed that His justice transcends human traditions and recognizes the dignity and rights of all His people (Psalm 89:14). The daughters’ faith and persistence reflect God’s heart for equity and the protection of family legacy. - Faith that Transforms Culture
The daughters’ approach was courageous and rooted in faith. They did not resort to rebellion or social upheaval but respectfully appealed to Moses and, ultimately, to God’s justice. Their example reminds us that faithful petitions grounded in God’s truth can bring about transformation within society (Hebrews 11:1). - Inheritance and Covenant Identity
Inheritance in Israel was not just material but deeply tied to covenant identity and belonging. To deny these daughters their inheritance was to erase their place in God’s covenant community. Their claim, therefore, upheld their rightful identity as God’s people.
Application for Today: Jesus as Our Advocate
Moses served as mediator in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 18:15-18), bringing the people’s petitions before God. Today, Jesus Christ is our perfect Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5), the one to whom we bring our requests for justice and provision.
Approach Him with boldness and faith, armed with God’s Word as your foundation:
Isaiah 41:21 (NIV)
“Present your case,” says the Lord. “Set forth your arguments,” says Jacob’s King.
Isaiah 43:26 (ESV)
“Put me in remembrance; let us argue together; set forth your case, that you may be proved right.”
The Power of Unity
The five daughters’ strength lay in their unity. Not one daughter, but all five together made their case. Jesus teaches that where two or more believers agree in prayer, their requests are powerful before God:
Matthew 18:19 (NIV)
“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.”
Unity amplifies our faith and petitions, helping us stand firm in God’s promises.
May the Lord grant us faith like the daughters of Zelophehad bold, respectful, and united so that we can open the doors that seem closed in our lives.
Maranatha! The Lord is coming!
HE’S COMING LIKE A THIEF, NOT LIKE A SOLDIER BE A VESSEL OF VALUE
When we think of discipline, order, and protection, our minds often turn to soldiers. We admire the structure of a military parade or the courage of police officers risking their lives to uphold justice. Their training, sacrifice, and sense of duty inspire many.
But no one celebrates a thief. Thieves are despised because they invade the lives of others, taking what doesn’t belong to them often in secrecy and violence. Their actions violate trust and destroy peace.
And yet, Scripture tells us that Jesus will return not like a soldier on parade, but like a thief in the night swift, unexpected, and silent.
1 Thessalonians 5:2 (ESV)
“For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.”
Jesus Himself used this imagery:
Matthew 24:43-44 (NKJV)
“But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.
Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
Why a Thief? Because He Comes for What Is Valuable
A thief doesn’t come to steal trash. He targets what is precious.
In the same way, Jesus is returning to take those who are valuable in His sight His faithful ones, those who have been redeemed by His blood, purified by repentance, and made holy by the Spirit.
Malachi 3:17 (NKJV)
“They shall be Mine,” says the Lord of hosts,
“On the day that I make them My jewels.
And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.”
The world is like a large house some inside are faithful and others are not. The ruler of this fallen world is Satan (John 14:30), and his kingdom is full of deception and wickedness. But Jesus is coming to claim His jewels the saints and He will do it in a moment, without warning.
The Rapture: A Holy Extraction
When the Lord comes like a thief, it will be the rapture the sudden taking away of believers who are walking in righteousness.
Luke 17:34–36 (NKJV)
“I tell you, in that night there will be two men in one bed: the one will be taken and the other will be left.
Two women will be grinding together: the one will be taken and the other left.
Two men will be in the field: the one will be taken and the other left.”
It will happen in the twinkling of an eye a divine disappearance that will confound the world.
1 Corinthians 15:51–52 (ESV)
“Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.”
Who Are the Valuable Vessels?
In Scripture, vessels are often used to describe people some for honorable use, others for dishonorable.
2 Timothy 2:20–21 (ESV)
“Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable.
Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.”
Valuable vessels are those who:
- Have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:16)
- Have repented of their sins (Acts 3:19)
- Have been baptized in water in the name of Jesus (Acts 2:38)
- Have received the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38, Romans 8:9)
They live lives of holiness and obedience, remaining in the light while the rest of the world walks in darkness.
Psalm 16:3 (NKJV)
“As for the saints who are on the earth,
‘They are the excellent ones, in whom is all My delight.’”
The Aftermath of the Rapture
Once the saints are taken, those left behind will face the wrath of the Antichrist during the Great Tribulation a time of unparalleled suffering.
Matthew 24:21 (ESV)
“For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.”
The enemy will rage, realizing he has lost what is most precious. And like a man who awakens to find his treasures stolen, he will unleash destruction in frustration and fury.
Are You a Vessel of Value?
This is the critical question.
Jesus isn’t returning for churchgoers by name, but for true believers those who are living in righteousness and walking in the Spirit.
Are you ready? Or will you be among those left behind?
Now is the time to repent, to surrender your life fully to Christ, to walk in holiness, and be filled with His Spirit.
Maranatha The Lord is Coming!
The early church greeted one another with the word Maranatha, meaning:
“Our Lord is coming.”
So let us live with that urgency, and strive to be vessels of gold holy, ready, and set apart for the Master’s use.
DON’T ABANDON YOUR GARMENTS AND GO NAKED
(A Theological Reflection on Revelation 16:15)
“Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.”
Revelation 16:15, NKJV
Spiritual Vigilance and Holiness: A Lifelong Calling
In this passage, Jesus offers both a warning and a promise: He is returning unexpectedly like a thief in the night and blessed are those who remain spiritually alert and keep their garments.
In biblical symbolism, garments often represent righteousness, character, or spiritual status. To be clothed in Scripture means to be covered in the holiness of God either imputed through Christ (justification) or expressed through our obedient life (sanctification).
The Garment of Righteousness
The “garment” referred to in Revelation 16:15 is tied directly to the believer’s conduct and standing before God. We see a more explicit definition in:
Revelation 19:8 (NKJV):
“And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.”
This verse defines the fine linen as righteous deeds not righteousness by works alone, but righteousness that flows from faith in Christ (cf. James 2:17). This aligns with Paul’s teachings that salvation is by grace through faith, but it produces fruit in a changed life (Ephesians 2:8–10).
A Biblical Example: The Young Man Who Fled Naked
A physical example of “losing one’s garment” is found during Jesus’ arrest:
Mark 14:51–52 (NKJV):
“Now a certain young man followed Him, having a linen cloth thrown around his naked body. And the young men laid hold of him,
And he left the linen cloth and fled from them naked.”
This young man (possibly John Mark himself) had followed Jesus closely even boldly but when danger came, he abandoned his garment and ran. This moment illustrates how fear and pressure can cause believers to abandon their spiritual covering, choosing safety or comfort over fidelity to Christ.
What It Means to Walk Spiritually Naked
To “walk naked” before God is a biblical image of spiritual shame, exposure, and judgment. Adam and Eve became aware of their nakedness after sinning (Genesis 3:7–10). In Revelation, spiritual nakedness reflects a life devoid of God’s righteousness:
Revelation 3:17–18 (NKJV):
“Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’ and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked
I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed,
that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed…”
Jesus warns the church of Laodicea: Self-confidence without holiness is deadly. A spiritual life without the garment of Christ’s righteousness will leave us exposed at His coming.
Trials and the Temptation to Abandon Righteousness
Many today are tempted to lay down their garments to compromise their convictions under the weight of trials. Whether due to rejection, persecution, workplace pressure, or relational conflicts, some choose to walk away from their walk with Christ and return to the world.
But Scripture calls us to persevere, especially when it’s hard:
Mark 8:35 (NKJV):
“For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.”
This echoes the cost of discipleship. We are not promised an easy life, but we are promised eternal life and the presence of Christ in our suffering.
A Final Reminder: He Is Coming Like a Thief
Jesus repeatedly uses the image of a thief in the night to describe His sudden return (see Matthew 24:42–44; 1 Thessalonians 5:2). He is not promoting fear but readiness. Only those who remain spiritually awake and clothed in righteousness will be unashamed when He comes.
Application Questions:Have you abandoned your spiritual garment your commitment to holiness due to pressure or discouragement?Are you walking “naked” in the sight of God, having exchanged righteousness for compromise?Are you staying spiritually alert, or have you grown cold and careless in your walk?
Maranatha.
Do Not Curse the Deaf or Put a Stumbling Block Before the Blind
Leviticus 19:14 (NIV)
“Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but fear your God. I am the Lord.”
This powerful command from Leviticus belongs to God’s holiness code, where He calls His people to live with justice, compassion, and reverence. In this verse, God forbids exploiting the vulnerable specifically those who are deaf or blind as a profound metaphor for how we should treat all who are weak or dependent.
The “deaf” and “blind” here are literal but also symbolic. They represent people who, due to limitation or ignorance, are at risk of being taken advantage of. The “stumbling block” is anything that causes them to fall or harm themselves, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.
Why does God emphasize this?
Because God is a God of justice and mercy (Micah 6:8), and He calls His people to reflect His character. Exploiting others’ weaknesses is not only unjust; it is a failure to honor God’s holiness and love. This verse reminds us that fearing God means protecting and respecting the vulnerable, not harming them.
Practical Examples of Exploiting Vulnerability
Consider a blind person trying to cross a busy street. Naturally, one would help guide them safely, showing compassion and kindness. To deliberately put them in harm’s way is cruel and inhumane.
Sadly, this kind of behavior exists in everyday life. For example, someone wanting to buy a phone might not understand its quality. Instead of advising honestly, a dishonest seller might deceive the buyer, selling a counterfeit product at the price of a genuine one. The buyer, unaware of the fraud, suffers loss. This is exactly what Leviticus condemns putting a “stumbling block before the blind.”
This kind of dishonesty is an affront to God’s justice. Throughout Scripture, God condemns deceit and calls for integrity (Proverbs 11:1; Proverbs 20:23). Sadly, such behavior is widespread and reflects a sinful heart that has not been transformed by God’s grace.
The story of Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3) reminds us how Satan exploited her “blindness” to good and evil to deceive her. Instead of guiding her in obedience, Satan’s deception led to sin entering the world. Likewise, people today misuse others’ ignorance or weakness for selfish gain, continuing the legacy of sin.
Other Examples
Sometimes, people use shortcuts to increase profit at others’ expense. For example, a cook might add fillers or harmful substances to food to increase quantity, knowing customers won’t notice. This is not only dishonest but endangers others’ health, deeply displeasing to God (Proverbs 12:22).
Even more heartbreaking are religious leaders or servants who exploit people’s spiritual or emotional vulnerabilities threatening or deceiving them to extract money or power. Jesus Himself condemned such hypocrisy and exploitation (Matthew 23:14).
Our Call as Followers of God
God’s call is for us to be like Job, who said:
Job 29:15 (NIV)
“I was eyes to the blind, and feet to the lame.”
We are called to serve and support those in need, guiding them rightly and protecting them from harm. To “fear the Lord” means to honor Him by acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly (Micah 6:8).
When we protect the vulnerable and live in integrity, we reflect God’s character and experience His blessings “many good days” in His world (Psalm 91:16)
Shalom.
Repair Your Nets, Clean Your Nets
Shalom! I greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Today, let us explore a powerful spiritual principle hidden in the everyday life of fishermen a principle with direct application to those called to the ministry and to every believer involved in the work of soul winning.
The Practical Lesson: Fishermen Don’t Just Fish
When we think of fishermen, we often imagine them casting their nets into the sea, catching fish, returning home, and repeating the process the next day. But anyone who has spent time with real fishermen knows the truth: fishing is not just about casting and collecting it’s also about preparing, maintaining, and repairing the tools of the trade.
After each fishing trip regardless of whether they caught anything or not fishermen are required to clean their nets and, if necessary, repair them. Why?
Because nets don’t just catch fish. They gather seaweed, mud, trash, and debris. If neglected, these contaminants begin to rot, attracting vermin and weakening the material. Dead fish stuck in the net begin to decompose and further damage the fibers. Left unchecked, holes develop, making the net useless.
A clean net is an effective net.
Dirty nets are visible in the water, and fish instinctively avoid them. The best nets are nearly invisible just as effective ministry often flows from quiet, unseen disciplines.
Biblical Foundation: Jesus and the Fishermen
Let us examine what the Gospels tell us.
Luke 5:1–5 (NIV)
“One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around Him and listening to the word of God. He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets.
He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then He sat down and taught the people from the boat.
When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.’
Simon answered, ‘Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because You say so, I will let down the nets.’”
Notice the detail: the fishermen were washing their nets, even after a failed night of fishing. Why? Because discipline and preparation are not based on results they’re based on obedience and principle.
Likewise, in another Gospel:
Mark 1:19–20 (NIV)
“When He had gone a little farther, He saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets.
Without delay He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed Him.”
This wasn’t casual maintenance it was intentional preparation, which was part of their livelihood. When Jesus called them, they were actively engaged in maintaining their tools, showing us that faithful servants must care for what God has placed in their hands.
The Spiritual Lesson: The Nets Represent Our Ministries and Our Lives
Throughout the New Testament, Jesus uses fishing imagery to describe evangelism and the call of ministry:
Matthew 4:19 (NIV)
“Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
As followers of Christ especially those called to teach, preach, or witness we are spiritual fishermen. But too often, we focus only on the act of “casting the net” (preaching, evangelizing, leading worship) and neglect the necessary ongoing work of maintenance and sanctification.
How Do We Repair Our Nets?
We repair our spiritual nets with the Word of God.
As Paul instructs Timothy:
2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NIV)
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Repairing the net means returning to God’s Word to ensure:Our doctrine is sound (Titus 2:1)Our message is relevant, timely, and Spirit-led (Ecclesiastes 3:1)Our teaching aligns with the Gospel of Christ (Galatians 1:6–9)
If we fail to do this, we risk teaching out of tradition or emotion rather than divine truth. The result? Spiritual holes in our nets. We begin losing people not because they reject Christ, but because they were never truly caught by a whole, well repaired net.
How Do We Clean Our Nets?
We clean our nets by purifying our personal lives.
1 Peter 1:15–16 (NIV)
“But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”
Our lives must reflect the message we preach. The power of the Gospel is hindered when the messenger lives in compromise. A dirty net drives fish away just as a compromised testimony repels seekers from the truth.
2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV)
“Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”
This is not about legalism it’s about living lives that don’t contradict our calling. A life of integrity, humility, and sanctification makes the Gospel message attractive and credible.
Final Encouragement: Obedience Precedes Harvest
Remember what Simon Peter said to Jesus in Luke 5:5:
“We’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because You say so, I will let down the nets.”
That act of obedience, even in discouragement, led to a miraculous catch. But it only happened after:They had washed the nets
- They obeyed the Lord’s instruction
- They trusted the Word over their past experience
Conclusion: Keep Your Nets in Order
Let us, as ministers and believers, never neglect the daily disciplines of:Repairing our understanding and delivery of the WordCleansing our personal lives through sanctification
These are not optional. They are essential for a fruitful, Spirit-led ministry. Just like fishermen care for their nets every day, we too must be faithful in caring for what God has entrusted to us.
John 15:8 (NIV)
“This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples.”
May the Lord bless you.
A Simple Way to Share Christ with the Nation
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
We thank God for His grace in granting us another day. As we begin, I invite you to reflect with me on a powerful truth from Scripture: the role of spiritual unity in the Church as a testimony to the world.
Why Is It Difficult Today to Reach the Lost With the Gospel?
When we talk about “those outside,” we refer to those who are either secular (worldly) or followers of other religions. Evangelism is becoming more difficult in our time, but why?
While it is true that “The Lord knows those who are His” (2 Timothy 2:19), that truth should not be an excuse to neglect the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20). The real issue lies within the Church itself: we have failed to walk in spiritual unity.
The Witness of Unity – A Key to Evangelism
Jesus prayed a profound prayer just before His crucifixion:
John 17:21–23
“That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.”
In this passage, Jesus reveals that the credibility of the Gospel to the world is directly connected to the unity of believers. When Christians walk in Spirit-led unity, it validates the claim that Jesus is the Son of God sent by the Father.
Not All Unity is From God
Jesus was not calling for superficial or institutional unity—such as denominational alliances or interfaith coalitions. Instead, He was praying for spiritual unity—the kind produced by the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 4:3–6
“Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”
This “unity of the Spirit” is doctrinally grounded and Spirit-enabled. It’s not just emotional or organizational—it is unity in truth and love, founded on the person and work of Christ.
Core Elements of True Spiritual Unity
- One Lord – Jesus Christ
Not a prophet, saint, or religious founder, but the risen Lord (Acts 4:12). He is the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20). - One Faith – The Gospel-centered belief in Christ
This faith is rooted in the Holy Scriptures, not human tradition (Jude 1:3, 2 Timothy 3:16–17). - One Baptism – In the Name of Jesus Christ
The early Church practiced baptism by immersion in the name of Jesus (Acts 2:38; 8:16; 10:48; 19:5). This is not to deny the triune nature of God (Matthew 28:19), but rather to affirm that Jesus is the revealed name through whom salvation comes (Acts 4:12). - One Spirit – The Holy Spirit
The Spirit indwells every believer, uniting us into one body (1 Corinthians 12:13), and empowers us to bear fruit (Galatians 5:22–23).
When the Church is United, Christ is Revealed
If the Church aligns itself with these truths and lives them out visibly, then our witness to the world becomes powerful and persuasive—not just in words, but in life and love.
Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).
Disunity sends a conflicting message. When believers are divided by denominations, doctrines, and personal interests, the Gospel is blurred in the eyes of the world.
A Call to Examine Ourselves
So we must ask:
Is the unity that Jesus prayed for present in us today?
If not, we must acknowledge that something is broken. And if it’s broken, it must be restored—not for our benefit only, but for the sake of the Gospel among the nations.
This is not just a personal goal; it is a divine command.
“I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me…” (John 17:23)
Preaching Christ Through Our Unity
Let’s strive, by the help of the Holy Spirit, to return to biblical unity—in doctrine, in Spirit, and in love. When we do, we will no longer need to strive as hard to convince people about Christ. Our very unity will preach Christ to the nations.
Shalom.
Come, Lord Jesus!
HE WHO LOVES MONEY WILL NEVER BE SATISFIED
1. The Mosquito Analogy: A Cautionary Image
A mosquito offers a vivid illustration. If it lands on someone and feeds without interruption, it will keep sucking blood until its stomach bursts—literally dying from its inability to know when to stop.
This biological fact mirrors a spiritual truth: those who are consumed by the love of money can’t tell when they’ve had enough. Their desire blinds them, leading to destruction.
2. Biblical Wisdom on Money and Satisfaction
Ecclesiastes 5:10–11 says:
“Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless. As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owners except to feast their eyes on them?”
This verse reflects a central theme of wisdom literature: the futility of earthly pursuits when disconnected from God. Material wealth does not provide ultimate fulfillment. Instead, the more we gain, the more pressure, responsibility, and dissatisfaction often follow. True contentment cannot come from external riches—it must be rooted in God.
3. God’s Wisdom vs. Worldly Wisdom
Worldly thinking says: “Chase money. Make it your goal.” But God’s wisdom warns us not to build our lives around wealth.
Hebrews 13:5 says:
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”
The command is not against money itself, but against covetousness—an unholy desire that replaces trust in God with trust in wealth. The believer’s security must rest in God’s presence and providence, not in possessions.
4. The Love of Money Is Spiritual Poison
1 Timothy 6:10 declares:
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
The Greek word translated as “love of money” is philarguria, which denotes an obsession or unnatural affection for wealth. Paul teaches that this desire is not neutral—it actively pulls people away from the faith and leads to spiritual self-harm. It’s a competing love that dethrones God from the center of one’s life.
5. The Tragic Case of Judas Iscariot
Judas began with a hidden love for money, stealing from the ministry fund (John 12:6). But that desire grew, and eventually led him to betray Jesus for thirty silver coins.
Acts 1:18–19 recounts his end:
“With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this… and they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.”
Judas’ story shows the progression of sin—from hidden greed to public betrayal to violent death. This is a sobering example of how unchecked love for money can open the door to Satan (Luke 22:3) and destroy a person spiritually and physically.
6. Called to Contentment and Kingdom Priorities
The Christian life is not one of material obsession, but of kingdom focus. Jesus taught:
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
The order of priorities matters. God’s kingdom must come first, and material needs are secondary and promised as provision—not the focus of our pursuit.
7. Final Exhortation
God is not against wealth. He is against idolatry—placing money above Him. We are called to:
- Work diligently (Colossians 3:23),
- Manage money wisely (Proverbs 21:20),
- Be generous (2 Corinthians 9:7), and
- Live with contentment (Philippians 4:11–13).
The love of money is a trap. Like the mosquito that feeds until it dies, the person who craves wealth for its own sake will eventually face ruin. But the one who seeks God first, and keeps their heart free from greed, will live in peace and purpose.
Prayer
Lord, help us to love You more than wealth. Teach us to trust Your provision and be content with what we have. Guard our hearts from greed and give us the wisdom to pursue what truly matters: Your kingdom and Your righteousness.
Come, Lord Jesus!
