Friday, 28^th August, 2026

Bible Reading: Matthew 7:1–5

Memory Verse: Judge not, that ye be not judged. Matthew 7:1 (NIV)

Joy was convinced Linda; her neighbour didn’t like her because of the way she looks at her anytime she greets her. She usually gives a squint. What a bad facial expression! Then came a day Mercy, a good friend of Joy insisted she will call Linda for a walk. Then the truth was unveiled. Linda wasn’t being rude; she simply couldn’t see clearly without her glasses.

Dearly beloved, how many times have we done the same thing? 

Someone didn’t greet you. You assume, “They’re proud.” 

Someone didn’t reply your message. You conclude, “They’re ignoring me.” 

Someone looked serious. You judge that, “They don’t like me.”

We build full stories in our heads without knowing the truth.

The danger of quick judgment is this: You can misread people and miss relationships God is trying to give you.

Joy almost missed a good connection with her neighbour because she judged too quickly.

Jesus warns us in Matthew 7 not to judge hastily. Why? Because many atimes, we don’t see the full picture. Only God does.

People are fighting battles you can’t see. People have struggles you don’t know about. People have reasons behind their behaviour.

What looks like attitude might be pain. What looks like pride might be insecurity. What looks like rejection might just be misunderstanding.

Real-Life Examples:

1. A co-worker seems distant. Later you may find out they’re dealing with family issues.

2. A church member avoids people. Later you may find out they’re battling anxiety or traumatised.

3. A friend becomes quiet. Later you may discover they’re going through depression.

4. That “rude” driver may be rushing to the hospital.

5. That “quiet” student may be battling trauma. 

6. Your “cold” neighbour may be carrying deep pain.

Quote:  Don’t judge a moment until you understand the story behind it.

Prophetic Decree: Receive an understanding and discerning heart to walk in love, patience, and wisdom in Jesus’ name.

Prayer Focus:

1. Lord, please help me to be slow to judge and quick to love.

2. Give me understanding instead of assumptions.

3. I receive grace to empathize with others in Jesus’ name. 

4. Holy Spirit, please teach me to see people the way You see them, in Jesus name. 

5. Holy Spirit, please help me to have an understanding and a discerning heart that I may walk in love, patience, and wisdom in Jesus name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ezekiel 5-8