Judgment…

Have you ever judged a person or group of people and felt convicted in your heart before the Lord? If so, you are not alone. Many individuals have felt judgment toward another at some point in their lives. The Bible teaches that we should love one another and refrain from passing judgment. In Matthew 7:1-3 NIV it says; “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?”

Did you know that when you judge your neighbor you open yourself up to be judged? In the Scriptures it shares that whatever a man sows, he also reaps. “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up”(Galations 6:7-9 NIV). If you sow goodness, love, acceptance, and forgiveness you will reap this in return. If you sow judgment, deceit, strife, and un-forgiveness, eventually you will reap these things in your own life.

The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is the standard and the perfect example for each and every person. He is the one that each individual should look to for guidance and answers for their life. It is easy to look about you and measure your life and success based on another human being. This is a trap of the devil and one that can cause a person to enter into a downward spiral of judgment and jealousy in their life. It is vital to seek the Lord for His will and purpose for your life. When you seek Him earnestly for guidance and ask Him to reveal His plan for you, then it sets your eyes on Jesus.

In John 8:1-7 NIV it says;

Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At dawn He appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around Him, and He sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do You say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing Him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning Him, He straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”

In this passage of Scripture Jesus was addressing the individuals who were judging this woman and casting aspersion upon her. There were those that wanted her stoned to death and were willing to pass this judgment without acknowledging that they were sinners too. There isn’t a perfect man or woman. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 NIV). Jesus is the only perfect one. He is the King of King’s and the Lord of Lord’s.

Jesus had a course and direction as He walked the Earth, and you too have a purpose given to you by your Father in Heaven. Your path will not be the same as your mother, brother, spouse, best friend, or neighbor. Each person is unique, with a unique set of gifting, talents, and ideas; given by God, to glorify His name and build His kingdom. Whatever path the Lord has given you to walk, whatever He has put in your hand to do, whatever He has destined you for, do it with all of your heart. Do not look to the left or to the right, judging your neighbor and bringing accusation against him, because he is not doing it as you are. Recognize that it is not your place to judge. It is your duty to love the Lord, love your neighbor, and live your life as the Lord has called you to.

You can start by praying this prayer aloud to Him;

Dear Lord Jesus,

Forgive me of my sins and wash me clean with Your blood. I give You my life and I ask that You would fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I ask for Your will and plan for my life, and I ask that You would forgive me for passing judgment on others, and for holding jealousy in my heart. Show me the way and reveal to me the talents and gifting You have placed in my life for Your glory.

In Jesus Mighty Name I Pray,

Amen