But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” Yet these people slander whatever they do not understand…
(Jude 1:9-10 NIV)
There’s something to be said about how the Archangel Michael disputed Satan. The text says that he dared not condemn Satan for slander. This is interesting because we know Satan to be a liar and the father of them. Yet, Michael refused to condemn him. Michael was also careful with his words and said, “The Lord rebuke you!” not “I rebuke you!” like so many of us would have said.
Michael was careful with his words… and that is a lesson we can all be students of. If there was ever anyone to condemn within the heavens or earth, Satan surely would be that person, right? But if Michael didn’t condemn Satan, who are we to condemn anyone at all?
We all have people we aren’t too fond of. People who aren’t our cup of tea. People who we simply don’t like and people who get on our very last nerve. That’s life. But we ought to be careful of how we speak about these people. In other words, we need to mind our tongues.
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.
(James 3:9-10 NIV)
No matter what we think of people we dislike, they are still God’s creations and made in His image. We need to keep our mouths of off people and their situations. If we find ourselves condemning or about to condemn someone, we need to stop and pray for them instead.
In fact, Jesus said to love your enemies and do good to those who wrong you... that leaves no room to condemn others. It only leaves room to love others and do good to everyone.
We should be like Michael. We shouldn't condemn anyone, even if condemnation seems fitting for that person. Pray for them instead and watch your tongue so that you don't slander anyone. Leave the condemning to God. Let Him be the one to rebuke someone if it's necessary.
That's all I have for you folks! Be blessed and Lord's willing, I'll see you next week.
Quin Arrington's literary collection consists of both fictional and nonfictional works. Books available on Amazon at www.amazon.com/author/quinarrington