“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:6-8).

Sometimes I cringe at how often judgments are made about people’s behavior or actions–because of things we hear or read or see: tidbits of gossip (e-mail is bad for that), rumors or slanted opinions (the media). If you have ever been on the receiving end of these judgments, you have experienced how painful it is to be judged on false information.

But often, we ourselves can be guilty of spreading rumors. We, too, judge or criticize others on partial truths without knowing the whole picture. Sometimes people take credit for deeds others have actually accomplished and it doesn’t seem fair. It is our humanness, isn’t it? We are sinners and we are weak.

I find it so encouraging to know that God always judges fairly. He knows everything about us. What we do, what we think, what we could have done. He knows and has given us our gifts and talents. He knows the circumstances surrounding our actions, yet His attitude toward us is always enveloped with love.

Dr. Bill Bright, in his book, God, Discover the Benefits of His Attribute, states:

“Because God is just…He will always treat me fairly.”

Not only does He judge us fairly regarding questionable thoughts and actions, He rewards us for the good we do. As J. I. Packer states in His book, Knowing God Through the Year:

“To reward good with good, and evil with evil, is natural with God. The retributive principle applies throughout: Christians as well as non-Christians will receive according to their works.”

Sometimes life doesn’t seem fair. But remember this, God is fair!

“God will see that each person sooner or later receives what he deserves – if not here, then hereafter.” – JI Packer

PRAYER: God, when I see and hear about the suffering of the thousands of people throughout the world, I sometimes wonder about the fairness of what is happening. It is so comforting to know that You will sooner or later give each person what he/she deserves. Thank You! Amen.