How can we "judge ourselves" to avoid God's judgment in our daily lives? The Call to Self-Judgment “Now if we judged ourselves properly, we would not come under judgment.” (1 Corinthians 11:31) What “Judge Ourselves” Means • Hold every thought, word, and deed up to the mirror of God’s Word • Acknowledge sin as God defines it, not as culture excuses it • Take personal responsibility before the Lord instead of waiting for external discipline How to Practice Daily Self-Judgment 1. Invite the Searchlight of Scripture • Begin each day reading a passage; let it probe motives (Hebrews 4:12–13). 2. Examine the Heart in Prayerful Silence • Ask with David, “Search me, O God…reveal my offenses” (Psalm 139:23–24). 3. Compare Actions with Christ’s Example • Measure conversations, habits, and attitudes against the life of Jesus. 4. Confess Immediately • “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive” (1 John 1:9). 5. Repent Deliberately • Turn from exposed sin to obedient action; replace lies with truth. 6. Accept God’s Loving Discipline • View hardships that bring correction as fatherly care (Hebrews 12:5–11). 7. Repeat Throughout the Day • Brief mid-day check-ins keep the conscience tender and responsive. Scripture Connections • 2 Corinthians 13:5 — “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.” • Galatians 6:4 — “Each one should test his own work.” • Lamentations 3:40 — “Let us examine and test our ways, and turn back to the LORD.” • James 1:22–25 — The doer of the Word looks into the perfect law and acts. • Psalm 19:12–13 — “Who can discern his own errors? Cleanse me from hidden faults.” Blessings of a Self-Judging Life • Ongoing fellowship with God unhindered by unconfessed sin • Spiritual growth through humble responsiveness to correction • Protection from harsher divine discipline meant to awaken repentance • A clear conscience that fuels joyful worship and confident prayer • A credible witness that draws others toward Christ Final Encouragement Self-judgment is not morbid introspection; it is a grace-filled invitation to walk in the light with the Savior. Keep Scripture open, keep your heart honest, and enjoy the freedom that comes when you judge yourself—in His presence—before He must. |
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