Pointing Fingers?

Dear reader,

As I was reading Romans 14:10-12 today, my heart was deeply stirred. You know how sometimes a verse just jumps off the page and grabs you? Well, listen to what Paul says here: "But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God... So then each one of us will give an account concerning himself to God."

Let me share what touched me so deeply. You see, there's this amazing yet sobering truth about the judgment seat of God. It's going to happen right after Jesus returns, before the millennium (that wonderful 1000-year kingdom). And here's the beautiful part - it's not about determining our salvation at all. That's already settled in Christ! Instead, it's about examining how we lived and what we did after we were saved.

I've been thinking about how this judgment will determine our rewards in the millennial kingdom. But you know what really struck me? Paul's heart behind this message. He's essentially saying, "Hey, instead of arguing with each other or criticizing one another, why don't we focus on our own walk with the Lord?" Because truthfully, each one of us will stand before that judgment seat to give account of our own life and work.

Can I share something that really convicted me? Every time I'm tempted to judge another believer or even when I'm simply welcoming someone new into fellowship, I need to pause and pray, "O Lord, have mercy on me. Who am I to judge my brother? Cover me, Lord. I want You to judge me. I need to examine my own life and living first."

That's the heart attitude I believe the Lord is looking for. Not picking apart others' walks, but humbly examining our own hearts before Him.

Just had to share this with you. It's amazing how the Lord can use His Word to both humble and encourage us at the same time, isn't it?

With love in Christ, [Your name]

P.S. When was the last time a verse grabbed your heart like this? I'd love to hear about it.