Stop Judging

In Matthew 7:1-2, Jesus tells us not to judge and warns that if we do, we also will be judged. He points out that we will be judged just like we judge others. We will receive a measure as we measure for others. 

Nearly identically, Luke 6:37 starts with the same warning "do not judge" and assures us that if we don't judge others, we won't be judged. Jesus goes on here to tell us not to condemn others, so we will not be condemned. He finishes with a directive to forgive and a reassurance that we will be forgiven. 

We should not be judging other people. We do not know their life, their struggles, or their successes. If we are judgmental towards others, we will be judged with the same measurement that we use against them. If we use a stingy measure of grace and mercy, we will receive a stingy measure of grace and mercy. If we use a heavy measure of condemnation, we will receive a heavy measure of condemnation. BUT if we do not condemn others, we won't be condemned. 

Let us ask the Holy Spirit to make us aware of our tendency to judge others. Let us grieve over the judgmental thoughts and words that we use to condemn others. Then let us seek forgiveness as we repent of our judgmental attitudes and hearts.