The Words of Judgment seem to be in great abundance today. We judge our pastors, our evangelists, our husbands, our wives, our children, each other and then there are those rare times we judge ourselves. The reason for this abundance is clear; its easier to judge others than restore them. After all, to start the process of restoration we are often met with resistance. Are we willing to breakthrough the wall of resistance with constant intercession and more than random acts of love? Yes, restoration is costly. Maybe thats why the prophet said, none crieth restore. A godly judgment in love is often the first step toward restoration but the price for restoration is too timely and far more expensive to continue so we abort the mission and hope a verbal judgment will suffice. Judgments are often persuasive words passed on from vessel to vessel concerning an individuals sin or shortcomings. In the exposure the judge hopes to see repentance but beyond the words he or she speaks, little is done to bring change. However, restoration requires a greater investment of time, truth, love and compassion from the restorer. Paul the apostle writes in Galatians 6; Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted (Gal. 6:1). According to Galatians 6 restoration requires more than time or a great price. It requires SPIRITUALITY! Here is another reason judgment is in abundance and restoration is a scarce commodity in this hour. Restoration isnt a ministry everyone in the Body of Christ can participate in. Restoration is a ministry only offered to the SPIRITUAL! So I pray; Lord, filter all our thoughts, emotions, motives and actions through the Cross until we shed our carnality like a snake sheds its skin and the Spirit of Restoration shines like the sun! One final musing; words of judgment without Restoration as our aim are only cruel words poisoned by an arrogant spirit. They will never bring life and transformation. So while Godly judgment is a necessary step toward restoration let us cry with the prophet, but none crieth restore!
Posted on: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 00:17:12 +0000