When
we speak of judging another person it is usually not in the context of drawing
conclusions that are based on facts, or objective analysis. Rather, it refers
to negative criticism and subjective comments that are leveled at someone
else’s character or behavior. We judge people by the way they are dressed,
the way they speak and even their ethnicity. Actually, judging is at the core
of every type of discrimination. The propensity to judge is pervasive and
deeply embedded in human personality. Still, though what is most egregious
about judging is the thoughtless disregard for truth, and lack of concern
for the emotional pain it often inflicts. But in the final analysis, judging
and condemning others is not only emotionally or psychologically harmful.
Jesus said that it is spiritually damaging.
While on the earth, Jesus too faced the evil effects of judging. Even while
ministering to the needs of people, He experienced the skepticism of the
religious leaders as they doubted His divinity, and compounded their
transgression by attributing the source of His power to Satan. There were also
those who called Him a glutton and drunkard because He ate with people who
were viewed as sinners and social outcasts. But Jesus not only preached
against judging He demonstrated His message by defending people who
were being judged wrongfully. One such instance occurred when religious
leaders were preparing to stone a woman to death. Her crime was committing
adultery. As they were about to begin stoning, Jesus
arrived on the scene. The woman’s accusers then decided to ask Him
whether He agreed with their action. However, Jesus gave a most unusual
response. He asked that if any among them was sinless, that person
should cast the first stone. But guilty and exposed, they all quietly
departed. As Jesus ministered to the woman, He illustrated first that He did not endorse
killing anyone but most importantly that no sinful human being can judge
anyone. It is God only who can judge because has mercy
and forgiveness for all.
Jesus’ message is very clear; we must not judge – Matthew 7:1. He said
that we, flawed human beings do not have the spiritual or moral authority to
judge anyone. Jesus illustrated this truth with a metaphor of having a large
piece of wood in one’s eye but at the same time trying to take a sliver of
wood out of another person’s eye. Obviously, the large piece of wood
severely obstructs vision. Instead, Jesus says that we must first take care of
our own faults before trying to correct those in others. Emphasizing the
spiritual law of sowing and reaping, He also warned that judging another
person opens the door for the same to be done to us - Matthew 7:2. As His
followers, Jesus said that we are not to judge others by our personal
perceptions.”
Do
not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”-
John 7:24. This means that before rushing to judgment, we can choose to proactively show love
and compassion. Instead of condemning, we can pray and if possible reach out
to help the other person.
A
Prayer to Avoid Judging
Lord,
help me not to judge or condemn others because You are the only true judge. In
Jesus name, forgive me for the times that I was quick to criticize and judge.
Please help me to have a heart that looks for the good in others. And when
someone does wrong or commits sin, help me to pray for that person. Grant that
my words and actions are guided by Your Holy Spirit to bring healing,
understanding and forgiveness. Father, help me to daily search my heart and not
live self-righteously but according to
Your righteousness. May the love of Jesus Christ be always seen in my
life. In
Jesus name Amen