“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (NIV) 1 Thessalonians 5:11
We all have the opportunity to be an encouragement to others, especially to those of the “household of faith.” We all are in need of encouragement from time to time as well. The opposite of “encouragement” is “discouragement” or “judgmental” or “critical” of others. This doesn’t make for healthy relationships with each other, but especially with us & God!
Christians should never be quick to pass judgment upon another unless there is just cause to do so. Then it must be done in the spirit of wanting to reach out to this brother or sister to save a soul & in the spirit of meekness & love! The Indians had a saying that shows much wisdom, “Walk in another’s moccasins before judging him.” I wonder if we all practiced this if, perhaps, our judgments would be wiser? God said this way, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye & pay no attention to the log in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:1-5). Would you go to a surgeon to have a tiny sliver removed from your eye while he is blinded by a huge plank in his own eye? I can’t imagine anyone doing such a thing! We aren’t qualified, nor did God equip us with a built-in x-ray devise to search & read the hearts & examine the minds of others! This is a job that is reserved for a just, all-knowing, all-wise, & all-powerful God! (Jeremiah 17:10). Let us not be arrogant or presumptuous in thinking we can do God’s job.
Paul tells us, “We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves & compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.” (II Cor. 10:12). We can drive folks away from the Lord, especially those who are still “babes in Christ.” We always want to be a positive influence & an encourager of others, especially our brethren! We must treat others as we are expected to be treated. Therefore, may we hold our criticisms & let our brethren draw nearer to God!