God is the Judge
“What is good and what the Lord is requiring from you – to act with justice, to treasure the Lord’s gracious love, and to walk humbly in the company of your God.” Micah 6:8 ISV
If we were to compare our situation to a courtroom, our role is not the judge, but the witness. We have our story, we have our responsibility; but our role is to wait on a righteous judge to make wrong things right, crooked places straight, and bring dark things to light.
We have responsibly to rightly handle sin within our sphere of authority and responsibility; however, we must be careful not to put ourselves on God’s throne to condemn a person. Who do we think we are when we decide to judge a person? We could find ourselves, like Jonah, opposing God and working against His plan or purpose. God told Moses, “I will show mercy to whom I show mercy (Exodus 33:19; Romans 9:15). God may decide to be patient to restore and show mercy to a transgressor. We don’t want to position ourselves contrary to the Almighty!
God is often the only one who understands the dysfunction, brokenness or deception behind wrongful behaviors. God is the one who knows if a heart is repentant or not. God is the one who knows what He is doing with His children. We need to know our place and stay in our lane!
If God is showing mercy, and we condemn a person by our behaviors, words, or attitudes; we could be climbing up in God’s throne to try to take His place instead of trusting He is working. But what about us? What about injustice? What about fairness? We need to do our part, then trust God will take care of us. If God wants to punish someone, know that His aim in the punishment is to lead that person to repentance. Wouldn’t we want the same if it were us who committed the offense? 2 Thessalonians 1:6-8 says, “God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you.” Other times, God may not immediately punish; however, God is still able to perform His work in you, despite them. Nothing and no one can stop God from completely His purpose in you. Trust that.
If we value our friendships and community, we ought to speak up for ourselves when we’ve been misunderstood, misheard, or mistaken. If someone doesn’t repent to you, give that to the Lord. You release it because you aren’t the judge. Trust God to take care of the matter. This doesn’t mean you foolishly trust someone who did wrong to you. Relationships may not be reconciled until repentance is made and trust is restored; however, live in peace. God’s got you.
Application: Do you need to make something right with someone? Do it.