Before You Judge

 These days, people judge each other over the smallest things, especially on social media. It happens all the time. And even as Christians who know God’s Word, we can still catch ourselves having judgmental thoughts about what other people are doing. We might feel like we’re right because we know better—but just knowing the truth doesn’t mean we should say everything that comes to our mind. Yes, we should always go to God and share His truth, but we have to be careful in how we approach people and what we say to them.

In Matthew 7:1-3 (NLT) Jesus Christ said, “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. And why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own?”

This verse is a reminder that we shouldn’t judge others with a standard that’s bigger than the one that we hold for ourselves. We make mistakes too, and we have areas we’re still working on as well. So it’s not fair to point fingers at someone else, and that’s not what Jesus wants. It’s like trying to measure someone else’s life with a ruler that doesn’t even fit our own life. God wants us to check our own hearts first before we comment on anyone else.

Think about it like this: imagine you’re at school and you see a classmate gossiping or saying mean stuff about people online. Instead of praying for them or talking to them nicely, you roll your eyes, make a comment, or tell others how “wrong” this person is for doing things like this. But maybe you’ve said hurtful things too, before you really knew God’s way. Judging them like that doesn’t help—they might feel embarrassed, alone, or even think that all Christians do is judge others. God wants us to show love first, not make someone feel worse about their mistakes.

Judging someone like that can even push them farther away from God instead of helping them.  God calls us to do things in a different way. We can still care about what’s right and wrong, but we need to handle it with love and respect. 

Sometimes the best thing we can do is just pray for that person, ask God to guide them, and let Him work in their heart. He knows what is best for them. Showing patience and kindness is powerful. It’s one of the ways people see God’s love through us.  

God sees how we treat people, especially those who don’t know Him yet. He notices whether we respond to them with love or with judgment, and He wants us to choose the right way and respond with His love. When we see someone doing something wrong, we don’t need to talk down to them or make them feel small. Instead, we can choose to be kind and show respect. We can even help guide them in the right direction, but only if they want us to. And if that’s not possible, we can quietly pray for them. Being careful with our words and our thoughts is important—because how we treat others can either point them to God or push them away. 

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

“Before You Judge”, written foraheartforchristdevotions.blogspot.com by Kraiapril©2026. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Becoming More Like Him

“So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT)

When we first accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, something real happens inside of us. We’re not the same anymore, even if everything around us still looks the same. The way we used to think, act, and respond starts to change over time.

It doesn’t mean we become perfect right away. It just means we can’t stay the same.

Ephesians 4:22–24 (NLT) tells us, “Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.” This reminds us that we have a choice. We can either keep doing things the old way, or we can let God help us grow into something new.

And honestly, becoming more like Him is such a great thing for us. We start to feel more peaceful inside. We don’t get as pulled into things that hurt us or lead us the wrong way. We begin to understand who God has made us in Jesus Christ, and that makes us stronger and more confident in a good way.

Being more like Him doesn’t happen all at once. It happens little by little, as we spend time with God—talking to Him, praying, and learning His Word. The more we stay close to Him, the more we start to look like Him, not on the outside, but in our heart.

And that’s what God really wants. Not just for us to say we love Him, but for our lives to actually start showing it.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

“Becoming More Like Him”, written foraheartforchristdevotions.blogspot.com by Kraiapril©2025. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Making Time in Your Day for God

 

Our schedules can get really busy during the week—between school, activities, and everything else going on. And honestly, sometimes we just feel tired and want to rest. But even in the middle of all that, we still need to make time for God in our everyday lives. If we only focus on work, school, and relaxing, and never pause to be with God, little by little we start pushing Him out without even realizing it.

 The Bible even tells us how important this is. In Joshua 1:8 (NLT), it says, “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” This shows us that God wants us to stay in His Word daily—not just once in a while. When we read and study His Word  the way He tells us, it becomes a part of us and helps guide how we live.

 

Another scripture reminds us to be careful with how we spend our time. Ephesians 5:15-16 (ESV) says, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” We also have to remember that we have an enemy who wants to pull us away from God’s plan for our lives. This verse shows us that we have to actually choose to spend time with God and not just let the whole day go by without thinking about Him.

 

When we spend time in prayer and read our Heavenly Father’s Word, it will help us stay close to Him. It helps us to grow stronger spiritually and to recognize what the enemy is trying to do, so we can be wise and not fall into it.

 

As someone who is still in school, I get tired after a long day, and sometimes I just want to go home and relax. But I try to make it a priority to talk to God throughout my day. I also read a chapter of the Bible on the bus before and after school. This small effort shows God that I care about spending time with Him and growing in my relationship with Him. It may not seem like a lot, but these little moments really do matter.

 

In the end, every day we should always make time for God, whether it’s through prayer, fasting, or reading His Word. Even small moments matter more than we think. We just have to remember that God is always there, waiting for us to talk to Him. He truly loves us, and He wants to spend time with us. 

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

“Making Time in Your Day for God”, written for aheartforchristdevotions.blogspot.com by Kraiapril©2026. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

God’s Correction Is a Sign of His Love

 Most of us can admit that being corrected doesn’t feel good. It can make us feel embarrassed, and sometimes it even hurts our pride. But correction is actually important if we want to grow. Without it, we would keep making the same mistakes and never really learn how to face life’s challenges. The same thing is true with God. When we are doing something wrong, He corrects us so we can grow stronger spiritually and be prepared when the enemy tries to attack our faith. The problem is that some Christians hear God’s correction but choose to ignore it. Instead of turning away from sin, they keep going deeper into it and refuse to listen to what God wants to teach them.

The Bible talks about this very clearly. 2 Peter 2:21–22 (NLT) says, “It would be better if they had never known the way to righteousness than to know it and reject the command they were given to live a holy life. They prove the truth of this proverb: ‘A dog returns to its vomit.’ And another says, ‘A washed pig returns to the mud.’” These are strong words, but they show us something important. When someone knows what God says is right but chooses to ignore it and go back to sin, it is like going back to the very thing God just cleaned us from.

What this verse is really teaching us is that knowing the right thing matters. If we truly know what God says is right, but we choose to ignore it and keep doing the same wrong things, we are not growing the way God wants us to. God corrects us because He loves us and wants us to become stronger and wiser. Proverbs 3:11–12 (NLT) reminds us, “My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.” So when God shows us something we need to change, it isn’t to shame us—it’s to help us grow.

In the end, we should try our best to listen when God corrects us. His correction helps us grow and keeps us from going down the wrong path. Sometimes it may not feel good in the moment, but it is actually a sign of His love for us. Instead of being upset when we realize we need correction, we should remember that it is actually a sign of God’s love. He corrects us because He wants us to become stronger and live the way He knows is best for us.

And like the Bible reminds us in Proverbs 3:12 (NLT), “For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.” When God corrects us, it isn’t because He is angry with us—it’s because He cares about who we are becoming. 

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

“God’s Correction Is a Sign of His Love”, written for aheartforchristdevotions.blogspot.com by Kraiapril©2026. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

When We Ask God for the Wrong Kind of Blessings

 Sometimes we feel really disappointed when we ask God for something and it doesn’t happen the way we hoped. It can feel confusing, especially when it’s something we really wanted. There can be many reasons for that, but there’s something important that we really need to think about—what we are actually asking for.

Were we asking because it was really good for us, or just because we really wanted it?Sometimes we pray for things that would just make us happy for the moment. We don’t always think about whether those things will actually help us grow closer to God.And if we’re really honest, sometimes we want the thing we’re asking for more than we want to be close to God. When that happens, our wants might need to take a back seat so we can trust that God knows what He’s doing.

James 4:3 (NLT) says, “And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.” This verse means that sometimes when we pray for something, our reasons for wanting it may not match what God wants for us. When that happens, maybe we need to pray a different kind of prayer.

Instead of only asking for the thing we want, we can ask God to help us have a heart that wants the same things He wants for us. For example, let’s say I wanted a new car just so I could show it off to my friends or family and make it seem like I’m better than everyone else. That wouldn’t really be a good reason. It would just be about showing off.

So when we pray and ask God for something, it’s important to check our hearts and make sure we’re not asking for something just for worldly reasons. Sometimes, if it doesn’t seem like God is giving us what we want, it might be a good time to stop and think about why we wanted it in the first place. So maybe the better prayer isn’t always “God, give me this,” but “God, help me want what You want.”

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

“When We Ask God for the Wrong Kind of Blessings”, written for aheartforchristdevotions.blogspot.com by Kraiapril©2026. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Hearing from God

 

Hearing from God isn’t always easy. Even as kids or teenagers, we all have moments where we really need His help, but it feels like we can’t hear anything back. 

Sometimes people even walk away from God because they think He isn’t speaking at all. But that is never the case.  James 1:5 (NLT) says, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you.” When we ask God for wisdom, we need to ask with faith and listen not just with our ears, but with hearts that are open to Jesus Christ.

The Lord isn’t hiding from us—He’s always speaking to us. The question is, are we slowing down enough to hear Him? Psalm 37:7 (NLT) tells us, “Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act.” School can get very busy, and when we’re dealing with everyone’s opinions and social media, waiting patiently can seem hard to do. And sometimes, even our own thoughts won’t even slow down. But this verse teaches us something important: hearing God isn’t just about talking to Him — it’s also about slowing down enough to listen. If our minds are racing or we’re constantly comparing ourselves to other people, it’s hard to notice His voice.

Being still doesn’t mean doing nothing. It means choosing to calm your heart. It means taking a breath before reacting and reminding yourself that God is in control. It means trusting that He’s already working behind the scenes, even when you can’t see it yet.

God never forgets about us. He tells us to wait patiently because He is strengthening us on the inside, keeping us steady, and helping us to hear Him clearly. 

So in the end, hearing from God really comes down to two things: having faith and slowing down enough to listen. God isn’t trying to hide from us. He’s a Father who wants to speak to His children. Jesus even said in John 10:27 (NLT), “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” That means God expects us to hear Him. So keep your faith strong, stay patient, and quiet your heart when life feels overwhelming. When you take the time to listen to God, you’ll start noticing that He’s been talking to you all along. 

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

“Hearing from God”, written for aheartforchristdevotions.blogspot.com by Kraiapril©2026. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Loving Your Enemies

God wants us to love others the way He loves us, and honestly, that’s not always easy. Sometimes we hold on to hurt because it feels safer than letting it go. But Proverbs 24:17–18 (NLT) reminds us, “Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall; don’t be happy when they stumble. For the Lord will be displeased with you…”God isn’t asking us to pretend the hurt didn’t happen—He’s asking us to choose love even when it’s hard.

Jesus Christ teaches us in Luke 6:27–28 (NLT), “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.” This verse shows us that instead of holding grudges or staying angry, Jesus wants us to respond in a completely different way—He wants us to respond with love, the same love that He has for us.

And honestly, even if someone did something so hurtful that you can barely talk about it, God still calls us to forgive. That doesn’t mean forgiveness happens instantly. We’re human, and sometimes it takes time. But we can choose to make an effort, and we can pray and ask God to pull any hate or bitterness out of our hearts.

In conclusion, we should always remember to treat our enemies with compassion and love. When we choose love instead of hate, it helps our own hearts heal from the damage someone may have caused. It also keeps us close to God and protects our relationship with Him. Loving our enemies isn’t easy, but it’s one of the ways we show our Heavenly Father that we want to live the way He teaches us. 

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

“Loving Your Enemies”, written for aheartforchristdevotions.blogspot.com by Kraiapril©2026. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ our Lord!