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“There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?” - James 4:12
 
 
Have you ever read an entertainment news headline and assumed a fact about a person or group of people in the article based on the limited facts presented? Or have you judged a person based on someone’s else’s perception of that person? We have all been guilty of pre-judging someone before knowing all the facts.  
 
James 4 warns us, “There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?” As God’s children, we are forgiven by God’s grace, and we are called to extend that same grace to others. While the headlines or the gossip may be entertaining, that judgement we provide is a sin and a form of arrogance.  
 
For those situations in which we feel the need to speak against our “neighbors,” it’s best that we pray for them that God will help them, and we should also pray for ourselves that we have the right motives.  
 
As believers, we should be different. We should be quick to listen and slow to speak. We have two ears and one mouth to listen twice as much as we speak. It’s best to lead with understanding and love instead of criticism and judgement. You’ll be the wiser because of it.