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I’ve seen the damage that religious judgment can do—especially when it’s coming from someone who holds a title like “pastor” but lives in contradiction to everything they preach. For many people, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community or others who’ve been labeled, misjudged, or pushed aside, that kind of judgment doesn’t just hurt—it lingers. It’s left some wondering if God ever wanted them at His table in the first place.
But I believe with everything in me: the harshest voices are not the holiest ones. And when judgment feels louder than grace, it’s not God’s voice you’re hearing.
Scripture:
“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)
Reflection / Teaching:
This verse hits deep for me, especially when I think about the kind of spiritual judgment I’ve witnessed—and at times, experienced. When God sent the prophet Samuel to anoint a new king of Israel, Samuel was ready to choose based on what looked right. He saw the oldest, strongest son of Jesse and thought, “This must be him.” But God corrected him with a truth I’ve come to hold onto: God doesn’t look at what people see on the surface. He sees the heart.
And that’s where it all shifts.
Too many people I care about have been rejected not because of their hearts—but because they didn’t fit someone else’s expectations. Some were pushed out of churches for being honest about who they are. Others were talked down to by someone waving a Bible like a weapon while refusing to deal with their own hidden sins. It’s the kind of hypocrisy that Jesus Himself called out over and over again.
If you’ve ever felt that kind of unfair judgment—if someone tried to make you feel unworthy of God’s love—I want to tell you something I wish someone had said to me sooner: That’s not Jesus. That’s someone using His name without His heart. Jesus always made room for the overlooked and the outcast. He restored the ones religious leaders tried to shame. He saw the truth behind every story—and He still does.
Application:
Maybe you’ve been hurt by someone who claimed spiritual authority but didn’t live with spiritual humility. Maybe you’ve stayed quiet in faith spaces because someone made you feel like your presence was a problem. If so, I hope you’ll hear me clearly: your story matters. Your questions are valid. And your identity is not a barrier to God—it’s something He already knows and loves you through.
My challenge to you (and to myself) is this: don’t let someone else’s broken reflection of faith become your whole picture of God. Get curious again. Ask hard questions. Let yourself imagine that maybe—just maybe—there’s still space for you at the table. Not despite who you are, but because of the heart God already sees and cherishes.
Prayer:
God, You see me fully—beyond appearances, beyond labels, beyond what others say. Help me to hear Your voice above the noise of judgment. Heal the places where others’ words have wounded me. Teach me to trust again—not in religion, but in You. And if I ever become the one casting stones, remind me of the grace You so freely gave to me. Amen.
Closing Thoughts / Call to Action:
If you’ve felt misjudged, unwelcome, or unseen—I want you to know that you’re not alone. I write these words because I’ve felt it too. And I’m still learning, still healing, and still hoping.
If this devotion spoke to you, I’d love for you to subscribe to my newsletter for more reflections like this one. You can also leave a comment below to share your thoughts, or send me a message—I’d truly love to hear your story.
Let’s keep this conversation going. You deserve to be seen and heard—exactly as you are.
Sources
- “Dear Christians: Where Is the Grace?” by Jon Davidson – a heartfelt open letter about extending grace, especially to the marginalized
- “Jesus in 2024: A Call to Embrace Radical Hospitality” – on Jesus welcoming outcasts and living grace
- “Confronting Religious Hypocrisy” at Shepherd’s Fire – explores Jesus’ warnings against hypocrisy
- “Pope sees ‘hypocrisy’ in those criticising LGBT blessings” (Reuters/Premier) – Vatican perspective on hypocrisy in blessing same‑sex couples
- “When ‘Non-Denominational’ Really Means ‘Homophobic’” on Believe Out Loud – personal story about church hypocrisy toward LGBTQ+ individuals
- Pope Francis: hypocrisy seen in criticism of same‑sex blessings – adds context to the Vatican statement :
- Reddit thread: “For people that are rude to LGBTQ+ people for religious reasons…” – community reflections on hypocrisy
- “The Remedy for Hypocrisy” at Grace Church Greeley – biblical insight and pastoral warning
- Reverend Ally on “the living Word” in Luke 4 – emphasizes scripture lived out through grace
- “Hypocrisy and Same‑Sex Blessings” – Catholic World Report – discusses the tension of judgment vs. blessing
- Research Journal: Church hypocrisy against homosexuality – academic insight into church behavior
- John 7:24 – “judge with right judgment” – scripture used in your devotional
- 2 Timothy 3:5 – warning against godliness without power – scripture reference from your writing
- 1 Samuel 16:7 – “The Lord sees the heart” – key verse used in devotional
- Matthew 23:27–28 – Jesus rebuking hypocrisy – reflects your theme well
- John 8:1–11 – story of the woman caught in adultery – a powerful example of grace over judgment
- John 13:34–35 – love one another – your devotional’s call to authentic love
- 1 John 4:8 – “God is love” – theological anchor for grace
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the author. The information provided is based on personal research, experience, and understanding of the subject matter at the time of writing. Readers should consult relevant experts or authorities for specific guidance related to their unique situations.