November 22, 2024 - 1 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭3‬-‭4

“As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don’t even trust my own judgment on this point. My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide.” 1 Corinthians 4:3-4 NLT

Oh, our Lord, there is so much truth in this passage. Our judgement on ourselves can’t be trusted. The judgement of our fellow humans can’t be trusted. Whether they judge us to be honorable or their verdict brings shame, who are they to truly know? Whether we look at different areas of our lives and find ourselves gruesomely lacking, or we lift our heads high feeling accomplished, our opinion of ourselves can be influenced by so many lies and misbeliefs. As Paul says, even when our conscience is clear, it doesn’t mean that we are right. But Lord, you see it all. You see into the deepest layers of us, and you know our hearts. You understand us better than we understand ourselves. You are not blinded by lies or influenced by our past or culture. You are the only person who could ever judge us without bias. You are the only person who sees the full picture and understands what is truly happening.

We praise you that even with seeing us fully and truthfully, you don’t give up on us. You love us unconditionally. We praise you that your love doesn’t have to be earned, because we would all fall short. We praise you for forgiving us again and again. We praise you for how you are always at work in us. We praise you because you want to see us succeed more than we want to succeed. Thank you that your work in us isn’t finished. We come to you with open minds and hearts, asking you to examine us and transform us into who you designed us to be.

In Jesus name, amen.