Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord. For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
2 Corinthians 10:17-18

Listening to people read the Bible out loud, I’ve noticed a lot of people misreading the word “commend” as “condemn.” It’s an easy mistake to make if you’re not paying close attention, but it’s important: the two words are opposites.

Both are judgement calls. To “condemn” means to declare me guilty and name the corresponding punishment. To “commend” means to declare me righteous, successful, and approve of my actions.

The point of either is that I should agree with God. His opinion is the only one that counts. I should condemn what He condemns and commend what He commends!

If I commend myself for a job well done when God’s assessment is, “That’s wrong; if you continue in that you will be condemned,” I had better come to agree with Him while I can, and repent of my wayward attitudes.

When God says, “Yes, you’ve sinned, but since you have come to Me looking for forgiveness, and Jesus died for you, I declare you righteous, forgiven. I commend your repentance and faith,” I should take His word for it and agree with him: I’m forgiven, free from guilt and condemnation, received as His child and called to a new life of clean living, because He is the judge; His opinion is the only one that matters.

Lord, Your Word is true. I agree with it. Set me apart for Yourself by Your forgiveness and by Your commandments. “Sanctify me in the truth; Your Word is Truth.” Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles