It is likely that we all struggle with snap judgments, judging by appearances, or even being judgmental about the actions of others. It is human nature. But it is also something that Jesus wants to change. In Matthew 7:1 Jesus said, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” As we read through the Gospels we see him interacting positively with people the Pharisees wouldn’t be seen with! To the judgy people of the day, his behavior was scandalous! He was modeling for us the “Golden Rule”.
“Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up God’s Law and Prophets and this is what you get.” - Matthew 7:12, The Message
Commentator Matthew Henry offered some ways that we ought not to judge:
We must not speak evil of our brother
We must not make the worst of other people nor infer insidious things from their words and actions
We must not judge uncharitably, unmercifully, nor with a spirit of revenge or mischief.
We must not judge the hearts of others nor their intentions.
One of the problems of judging others is that we do not know the whole story. Only God understands the motives of the heart and the background of the person we’re judging.
Baseball Hall of Famer Tris Speaker was very critical of Babe Ruth's decision to quit pitching and become an outfielder. After Ruth made the transition in 1921, Speaker said, "Ruth made a grave mistake when he gave up pitching. Working once a week, he might have lasted a long time and become a great star."
He might have become a great star! Since our judgments are not infallible, we better leave that department for God. Nobody likes to be judged. When you catch yourself judging others, remember the Golden Rule of Matthew 7:12:
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you…”
Linkage
Melissa Luttle shares 5 things she enjoyed looking at this week. Maybe you will too.
I can identify with S. E. Reid’s experience with houseplants, and also with the hope for this time. Hope on the Windowsill is a delightful read.
Linkage from Me…
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