Whispering

"Whoever speaks against a brother or judges his brother speaks against the law and judges the law," James 4:11.

What does this mean? How does judging somebody be the same as judging the law? Well, the law referenced earlier (the royal one, remember?) says, Love your neighbor. When we get into the criticizing habit (you know, whispering behind their backs) we set ourselves up against royalty's expressed imperative. In fact, we rise above the law and decide (that is, we judge) that we don't have to follow it. This superior position over brother and over law, gives a wonderful sense of righteousness. But, there is only One Lawgiver and Judge. He alone is able to save and to kill. And He's coming. Better believe it. That's why James asks, But who are you? So he says, Stop it!

Chastened, we repent and give thanks to our God the only one able to save. Bless a brother or sister today as you whisper their good qualities to others.