Deeper Life #40

But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment.

—1 Corinthians 4:3

THIS SCRIPTURE VERSE IS NOT written in an irritated mood or a defiant spirit, but under the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit, for the purpose of pointing to the one fundamental source of all Christian freedom. Paul regards it lightly that he was judged or scrutinized by his friends. He knew that his Lord was his Judge.

To be misjudged by those who are not one’s friends is unimportant to a person who has real friends. But when the examination by one’s own friends produces harsh and cruel judgment, it is hard to bear. None can endure this but the man or woman baptized in the Holy Spirit and fire.

The spiritual autobiographies of many lives are full of the pain suffered from the harsh condemnation of friends, until those sufferers took the attitude of Paul—not callously indifferent, but patient, with the large-hearted graciousness of one who endures “as seeing him who is invisible” (Hebrews 11:27).

Prayer Thought: O God, it hurts when friends falsely accuse me. But forgive me if I complain.

SUGGESTED READING: 1 Corinthians 4:1–5