Jesus said: “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.”
One of the ironic things about people is that we love to point out what’s wrong with others while hating others for pointing out what is wrong with us. Have you noticed this?
Even more ironic is that this habit is more prevalent among those who say they are followers of Christ. People in the secular world are far less judgmental than Christians, and while this is undoubtedly a generalization, it is mostly true.
How do we know if we are judgmental? Well, here are a few statements I have heard from time to time. Have *you* said anything like this? “You shouldn’t hang around with those people; they’re bad company.” Or, “Look at the way she dresses. How terrible!” Or, “He hardly prays at all and he calls himself a holy man.” Or, “He’s gay; she’s loose; he’s a drunkard.” Any of them sound familiar?
Why do you think we say things like this? I suspect it is because we gauge our holiness by comparing ourselves with others, whereas our actual gauge should be comparing ourselves with Christ. As Paul said: “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children” (Ephesians 5:1).
When we compare ourselves with Christ, who is the only person we should compare ourselves with, we will realize how short we fall by God’s standards and how much we need his mercy. Consequently, we will be more inclined to extend his mercy to others because Jesus says in no uncertain terms: You will be judged with the same measure you judge others. Earlier, he said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Matthew 5:7).
The only person who has the right to judge is Jesus, and if he chooses to be merciful, how can we, so much in need to mercy, choose to judge? Something to think about today.
May the Spirit be with you.