“You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”
This is pretty straightforward. We should never judge.
No matter how close we come to thinking we have figured God out, His thoughts, His judgments, His mercies are always greater than ours. When we allow ourselves to judge the people around us, we are giving ourselves a role that only God can actually fill. We can never see the whole picture, and we don’t have to worry that God will not embody justice when the day of judgment comes. In the meantime, His kindness to see us each individually and patiently wait for each of us to live in obedience should all the more lead us to repentance and wanting more of Him.
When you find yourself judging others, remind yourself of each process God has had to walk you through and every process you are in the middle of now. Of all the times that you fail and have to repent, and thank God for His mercy – that you aren’t given what you deserve in those moments. Rest in His kindness and patience for you, and then ask Him for the grace to view the people around you through the lens of that thankfulness.
pray
Jesus, thank you for your kindness, for your patience. I repent for all the times that I have tried to take your role as judge. Come and fill me with your heart for the people around me. Help me choose empathy, identifying with the people around me in our desperation for you to change our hearts and make us more like you.
– Billie Anne Hardigree
