Judging Others

Did you see what she was wearing when she came into church yesterday? Why did her mother let her walk out of the house looking like a tramp?”

“What do you think about Mrs. Blank’s hair do? Why would she dye her hair two different shades anyway?”

Why are we so judgmental? Why is it our place to determine what people are wearing or the color of their hair?

“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor. Matthew 7:1-5 The Message

All of us have been guilty of judging others. We feel we know what is right for everyone and yet, God has promised to judge us the same way we judge others.

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37 NLT

Or “He that is without sin, let him cast the first stone.” John 8:7 KJV. Is Jesus warning here about us being self-righteous? Do those of us who judge others feel we are perfect? Is it possible that deep down we envy the person we are judging?

Is it ever right to judge? Possibly. If someone we know is committing a moral sin according to the bible, the correct way to “judge” in this instance is not to share with everyone the thing you feel is a sin. But, go to that individual and carefully share with them your concerns; not in a condemning way but with love. And, before you approach them, pray earnestly about it; be sure God is leading you to speak with them. Then, choose your words carefully and allow God to deal with that individual rather than continuing to judge.

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” Ephesians 4:15 NIV

Sometimes the person, motive or thing we are judging is not all it seems to be.

I have an example of that very thing for tomorrow’s posting.