Why Are You Justified?

Galatians 2:16 ESV
Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

This should be indeed an obvious piece of scripture. We are not justified by our works but through faith in Jesus Christ. Eph 2:8-9. But, always have to put that “but” in there, do we tend to judge others in Christ by their works? I find myself doing that still, and often. Rom 14:4.

There is a fine line between judging others and discerning potential dangers. Matt 7:15-20. This however is concerning false prophets or someone who will lead a brother away from God’s word.

But back to judging brothers in Christ. We all have one judge. And we all have been justified through Christ. Having been justified does not mean we will always walk with the Lord. That is still our choice in obedience to God. But, in my opinion, our walk will affect our works. Our works, when looked at properly, are a product of our relationship with God, not a means to have a relationship with God. Who am I to make any judgment on another’s walk with Christ? I did not see that in the Great Commandment or the Great Commission. I believe I was asked to love others and teach them in what Christ has taught me. Ultimately, the choice between obedience and disobedience, walking with or running from, is between the individual and God.

I’m still responsible, but not as a judge. To help out where I can. Rom 15:1. To pick someone up when they have fallen. To restore them. To comfort them. We went through what we should try to do in yesterday’s devotion. The last thing is to guard yourself when trying to help out a brother lest you fall into the same fault that they have fallen victim to. Luke 17:3; 1 Cor 10:12. Gal 6:1.

God is so patient and loving towards us. We ought to try to be the same with the ones God has asked us to love.