One Lawgiver and Judge

Date: December 27, 2025

Scripture Reading: James 4:11-12

“Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?”

James speaks directly to the way believers treat one another. His words cut through pride and self-righteousness, reminding us that careless words and critical judgments do more damage than we often realize. When we speak against others, we are not just criticizing people — we are stepping outside our role and into God’s.

This passage calls us back to humility. God alone is the Lawgiver and Judge. He sees fully, knows completely, and judges righteously. When we place ourselves above others, we forget our own dependence on grace. The same God who judges is also the One who saves, and His mercy shapes how we are meant to relate to one another.

James is not saying that discernment is wrong, but that condemnation is not ours to carry. Believers are called to walk in obedience, speak with love, and trust God with justice. When humility governs our hearts, unity is protected and Christ is honored in how we speak and live.

Main Takeaways

• Judgment belongs to God alone, not to us.
• Pride leads us to misuse our words and harm unity.
• Humility and grace should shape how we treat others.

Cross-Referencing Scriptures

• Matthew 7:1-2: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.”
• Romans 14:4: “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant?”
• Ephesians 4:29: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths…”

Let humility guide your words today. Release judgment back to God, extend grace to others, and trust that the One who judges perfectly is also rich in mercy and faithful in love.