No Judgment

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – November 11, 2020

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? Matthew 7:1-3

Don’t you love being in the presence of people from whom you feel no judgment—only love, mercy and forgiveness? These rare saints are so not about themselves—only others. They feel no need to put someone down so they can feel morally superior or elevated in their importance. No, they are not fluent in self-righteousness, but converse in compassion, care and empathy. Since they accept being beloved as the object of their heavenly Father’s affections—they are affectionate. We love being with others who leave judgment to the one who judges perfectly—Jesus Christ! 

Jesus, confronting the religious hypocrisy of the day—called out the self-righteous to treat others as they would want to be treated—without judgment. The Lord knew that a world full of judges imprisons everyone behind bars of an allusive perfection, reserved only for heaven. He goes on to challenge those suffering from a critical spirit to take inventory of their own heart and seek out a Savior to soften their hard hearts with love and forgiveness. Then, their hyper-concern toward one’s shortcomings will melt away with mercy and forgiveness. Only Judge Jesus is qualified! 

“There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor” (James 4:12)?

Has your genuine devotion to God gradually grown into a tinge of self-righteousness to the point you make people feel lesser than you by communicating that your opinions/standards are always right and anyone who disagrees is inferior? Or even worse, do you withhold encouraging words or affection for fear of someone feeling too positive about themselves and less of you? Humility first looks in the mirror and asks the Holy Spirit to show him what shortcomings and sins need to be confessed and changed. Go before the Lord to be loved, so you can first love and not judge. 

Remember: words, actions and attitudes have a reciprocal affect. The reason you may feel others are avoiding you is because you make them feel the worst version of themselves: little and unloved. Instead, take the opportunity to make conversations about the other person’s needs and concerns—not your own. Take your time in delivering truth—no need to jump to conclusions, or worse—rush to judgment. Trust the Holy Spirit to reveal truth to a heart through your loving heart. Judgment hurts relationships and builds resentment; love heals relationships and builds trust. Leave judgment with the Lord—He knows best. Remove your plank, and forget her speck! 

“Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart” (1 Corinthians 4:5).

Prayer

Heavenly Father, when I suffer from self-righteousness, humble my heart to look inside at my own sin and shortcomings, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Application

Ask someone who knows you well if they feel loved more or judged more by your words, actions and attitudes.

Related Reading

Deuteronomy 1:17; Ecclesiastes 12:14; Luke 6:37; Romans 14:10, 13

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