CORRECT IN LOVE: AND DON'T JUDGE QUICKLY

Christian Devotional: Correct in Love and Don't Judge Quickly

Anchor Scripture: 1 John 3:18 NIV — “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.”

Devotional Reading

During a Tuesday Bible study, the leader stopped teaching and asked if anyone had seen Sister Martha lately. He mentioned that he saw her last Sunday after church and noticed a big change in her modest clothing and behavior.

Instead of joining the crowd in whispering or judging her, the leader told the group: "You don't know what she may be going through." He decided to call her to find out how she was doing. He understood that when people face hard times, feel lost, or feel like God has not answered their prayers, they might change how they live.

What 1 John 3:18 Teaches Us

If we say we love God, we must prove it through our actions. We should be careful not to make other people feel unloved or hopeless with our words.

Never be too quick to judge others. You do not know the heavy burdens they are carrying or the difficult battles they have fought. Hard times are like fire—they can either break a person down or make them stronger.

Digging Further: John 13:34

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." — John 13:34 NIV

Do not use harsh words to hurt others because you do not feel their pain. It is hard to show love in today's world, but God gives us the grace to do it.

How to Show Christ-Like Love: The Steps

Correct people gently and in love.

Listen to a person's story before you judge them.

Separate the facts from your emotions so you do not react angrily.

Support your advice with Bible verses.

Always pray for people who are going through tough times.

Reflection and Prayers

Reflection Question: Have your words ever hurt someone who was already going through a hard time?

Journaling Prompt: Think about your past actions. Have you truly treated people going through hard times with love?

Prayers

~Dear Lord, thank you for your word today.

~Lord, give me the grace to know what to

say to people who are suffering.

~I refuse to use my words to hurt others.

~Lord, help me to obey your word and not just listen to it.

~ I receive the grace to be a better person, in Jesus' name. Amen.