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 Day 5: To Judge or Not to JudgeBecause GOD IS JUST, I know He will always treat me fairly!
Read or quote the memory verse. Let's start by listening to what Jesus said in Matthew 7:1. Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.Discover God Bible, (NLT).
What do you think this verse means? Does it mean we are never to let someone know what they're doing is wrong? Listen to what happened to Janice: Janice and the Stolen Gum
Janice felt the gum being pressed in to her hand. "Now," Lucy continued, "put the gum in your pocket when no one is looking, then just walk out the front doors like nothing is wrong. Oh, be sure not to touch your pockets. That can give you away." "I can't believe you would steal the gum! What a loser you are! Don't you know that's wrong?" Janice whispered back angrily. "Don't tell me you're going to wimp out on me now! Who are you to judge? This store makes lots of money. They aren't going to be hurt by two missing packs of gum!" Lucy's eyes narrowed. "What are you going to do about it? Tattle tale? You Christians are all alike. You think you're too good for anyone else!" Lucy slipped the gum in her pocket, turned on her heels, and walked out the door. What do you think of what Janice said to Lucy? Did she judge Lucy? Janice told Lucy the truth. Taking the gum without paying for it is stealing. She focused on the action, not the person. Although it is true that our actions reflect who we are on the inside, they rarely tell the whole story. Only God can judge the heart because only God knows what's in the heart. What do you think of what Lucy said about Janice? Was Lucy judging Janice? (Yes.) How? (She attacked Janice's heart.) It's hard to stand up for what is right. It's even harder to stand up for what is right and do it in love. God doesn't give up love in order to be just, and He doesn't give up justice in order to love. Neither should we. Let's read 1 Corinthians 13:13. Three things will last forever -- faith, hope, and love -- and the greatest of these is love. Discover God Bible, (NLT).
What is God most concerned about? (That we love Him and others.) If you were in Janice's position, how would you have handled the situation? Standing up for what is right, and doing it in love, is a great way to express thanks to God for His justice and love toward us!
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| A | Activity … Family Fun Activities! |
| B | Bible Times … Exploring God's Word together |
| I | Influencing Others … how can you make a difference? |
| D | Drawing/Drama … exploring your creative side! |
| E | Experience … finding the teachable moments |
"Come on Janice," Lucy whispered, "You take the fruit flavored and I'll take the mint." 
Why does it matter?
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