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We test the spirits in prophecy. We don’t presume to judge another’s salvation.

That starving thief may have a better chance at it than a well-fed, very comfortable holy roller claiming the salvation.

That hooker on the street corner beaten and raped at 13 then thrown out of the house is probably more beloved than I am.

That nasty, gossipy old woman, dying and elderly left by everyone and everything in her life may have a better chance than I since she went through hell here and came out in one piece.

I wouldn’t judge. Have never judged. I don’t know their souls. I don’t know how many times they have cried out to God, “Help ME!!!” in the night. I don’t know how many times they have lived with resignation that somehow in some faith that they hold they will live and someday, God will provide.

I Do Not Know.

The only thing I can do is love them. If I judge them, I am no better than the Pharisees.

"The only thing I can do is love them."

Amen to that. Love is the unconditional want of good for another only for the good of the other. If gratitude, reward, or even salvation are your motivations then you do not love anything other than self. Ask anyone in these threads if they would be willing to give up their place in heaven to a loved one purely out of love for them and God. Ask about the stranger, the Muslim, the criminal, and someone who had wronged them. Those who unhesitatingly say yes are getting close to understanding. I pray that I would have the grace to say yes.

Peace be with you.

We test the spirits in prophecy. We don’t presume to judge another’s salvation. That starving thief may have a better chance at it than a well-fed, very comfortable holy roller claiming the salvation.
That hooker on the street corner beaten and raped at 13 then thrown out of the house is probably more beloved than I am.
That nasty, gossipy old woman, dying and elderly left by everyone and everything in her life may have a better chance than I since she went through hell here and came out in one piece.
I wouldn’t judge. Have never judged. I don’t know their souls. I don’t know how many times they have cried out to God, “Help ME!!!” in the night. I don’t know how many times they have lived with resignation that somehow in some faith that they hold they will live and someday, God will provide.
I Do Not Know.

The only thing I can do is love them. If I judge them, I am no better than the Pharisees.

Dear Friend, what you wrote is perfect understanding of how we should view people through the lens of our merciful forgiving Lord.

Thank you for writing this and God Bless you!