So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due. ~ 1 Corinthians 4:5 (NLT)
Lord, as I've grown in my understanding of how people think, I've started to develop some really strong opinions about certain people -- and groups of people -- particularly politicians. Sometimes I get so angry with their indifference to the poor and their self-serving ways that I want to send them all to hell before they can do any more damage to the world. But I certainly don't understand what is happening in their hearts as well as you understand. And if you, with your greater understanding, hold off on judging -- how much more so do I need to keep my mouth shut. Please help me to have a positive attitude toward the people I'd like to punch in the nose. Help me to keep my attitude in check. For the fact is that you know my darkest secrets, too. And you understand my own motives better than I understand them. Thank you for being a fair, just, and merciful God. I'm going to let you be the judge of all things. Amen.
