It is wisdom to judge our own hearts. Judging what is just and right is to have a conscience shaped by God’s truth. As we face the issues of the day, our God-shaped conscience bears witness. Our conscience takes a stand and testifies to what is true or not about our beliefs, thoughts, and actions.

We can never judge someone else’s eternal destination. That judgment is reserved only for God. But it is wisdom to judge the fruit in their life. How do we judge without crossing the line into a judgmental mindset? How do we judge fruit in a loving, truthful way?

First, we need to decide that we must judge between right and wrong, good and evil. And we must take a stand. Sitting on the fence in fear of offending someone is not an act of love. Jesus describes that stance as neither hot nor cold—a compromised and easily misled person.

If we let culture influence us, we remain naïve and undiscerning. We will listen to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. We become increasingly insensitive to the Holy Spirit. Our conscience no longer stirs us to confess and repent of corruption. It becomes cauterized—numb and hardened like a scar from a burned tissue. Some will depart from the faith (I Timothy 4:1-2).

We have been witnessing the result of a cauterized conscience in leaders and influencers of our institutions, our courts and judges, our universities, etc. Proverbs says, “A judge who says to the wicked, “You are innocent,” will be cursed by many people and denounced by the nations. But it will go well for those who convict the guilty; rich blessings will be showered on them…Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent—both are detestable to the Lord” (Proverbs 17:15; 24:24-25).

We are also seeing the wheels of justice slowly turn. Many criminals are being held accountable for their actions even now. When we uphold what is right, we stop our descent into deeper darkness and disorder. May our nation be blessed and become a blessing.

Prayer for a God-Shaped Conscience

(see II Corinthians 10:2-6 & Galatians 2:20 TPT):

In your Name, Lord Jesus, empower my conscience with your love, your justice, and all that is right and true.

Like Paul, I too declare that it is no longer I who live, but it is you who live in me. I confess my striving to love enough. To be just and right. “To be all that I can be.”

You are Love. You are the Truth. You are the Just Judge. I exchange my self-effort for you to love through me. For you to speak your truth, wisdom, understanding, and wise counsel through me to others.

Although I live in the natural realm, I don’t wage war using human weapons of manipulation to achieve my aims.

In the power of your Name, Lord Jesus, I use my spiritual weapons, energized by your divine power, to dismantle the defenses I hide behind.

I demolish every false fantasy and deceptive philosophy that opposes You. I break through my arrogant attitudes raised in defiance of your true knowledge.

Armed with your dynamic weaponry, I stand ready to confess every trace of rebellion and insist that all come under your rulership.

I receive your Blood of mercy sprinkled on my conscience, cleansing me and purifying me. I stand on your word that the pure in heart will see you.