Do not judge!

Memory Verse: Matthew 7: 2 – “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

The Word for Today devotional by United Christian Broadcasters (UCB) says

Here’s a sobering Scripture: ‘Do not judge, or you too will be judged’ (v. 1 NIV 2011 Edition). Jesus was hard on the religionists of His day because they spent their time nit-picking.

They condemned the disciples for not washing their hands, and Jesus for healing on the Sabbath. Consider Jesus’ response: ‘You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one.

But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me’ (John 8:15-16 NIV 1984 Edition). So here are some questions you need to answer: ‘Do I judge others based on their actions, and judge myself based on my intentions? When someone’s behaviour does not reflect a choice or decision you would have made, are you quick to comment?

When people do not move at your pace or do something the way you want it done, do you peg them as lazy and worthless? When you hear something negative about somebody, do you repeat it before checking to see if there’s any truth in it?’

Ben Franklin said, ‘I resolve to speak ill of no man … not even in a matter of truth; but rather by some means excuse the faults I hear charged upon others, and upon proper occasions speak all the good I know of everybody’.

If you’ve a genuine concern for someone who’s going in the wrong direction and have earned the right to address it, do it in the spirit of love. And remember, you earn that right by consistently demonstrating love and care for them.