Hey friends! As I was thinking about what to write today, I was hit in the face with a subject idea (thanks to my best friend 🙂). Judgement. Who is supposed to pass judgment? So let’s talk about it.
When I was younger, I used to judge others pretty harshly. I honestly don’t know why because I never thought of myself as better than anyone else (truly). I guess, in my mind, right is right and wrong is wrong. As I have aged, I see there is a lot of gray in that black and white. Maybe this is easier for me to see because I have my own past. And in this past, I needed people to see my gray and not judge me. But, here’s the funny part, I DID need them to judge me. What I needed was grace, love and accountability. And to hold someone accountable that involves judgement. And those closest to me did and they helped change me (which I am forever grateful).
Following Jesus is simple, but not easy.
Matthew 7:1 simply states, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” That’s pretty direct, right? But let’s look at the verses after that, “For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:2-5.
If you read Matthew 7:1 and nothing else, it seems pretty clear. But when you keep reading, you realize Jesus tells listeners how to approach someone who is behaving poorly. If you skip down to Matthew 7:15-20, Jesus says that we can discern the true character of people by observing the fruit they bear. So, can we judge or not? Because, as a Christian, I feel like I am in a trap. If I judge someone, I’m a hypocrite but if I don’t then I am not spreading the true gospel. Personal opinion here, but this feels like the devil is doing his work perfectly. We are doubting ourselves and we are allowing Jesus’s own words to stop us.
Judging is looking at another person’s action in such a way that you are pronouncing guilt on them. But what if that person has told you they were guilty? They are coming to you needing guidance. During his time on Earth, Jesus lived what he taught, and he regularly (and rather assertively) addressed people’s harmful choices. So it wouldn’t make sense for him to prohibit us from using discernment in our relationships or the world at large. I believe when Jesus used the word “judge” he referred to condemning others or treating them with judgemental contempt.
Let’s go back to Matthew 7:3-5 above. Jesus’ words suggest there is a time and place to speak up when you see a problem. Like Jesus, we can call out wrongdoing in ways that do not condemn or diminish anyone else. But notice that it isn’t until the final line of his metaphor that Jesus says anything about assessing another person’s behavior. The majority of his instruction is about the important first step of self-reflection. This is where I used to fall off the wagon on the whole “judging others” thing. My self reflection was TERRIBLE!!
Recognizing, acknowledging and addressing our own failures is a very humbling experience. And if you have ever been in a situation where you are lost (mentally and spiritually) but you emerged on the other side…then you know. You were humbled to your core. From this place of honest humility, we are less likely ro judgmentally condemn or think less of others.
This week, as you are watching the news or listening to a friend/family, pay attention to your thoughts or words. Notice when judgement escapes. Where is this coming from? This is where self reflection comes into play. Likewise, if a friend is telling you something that is wrong, then stand up and say something! If they are your friend, they will appreciate you (maybe not right then but later 😂). It IS ok to hold people accountable for their sins. Mine did. They listened, loved me and showed me grace. And because of this accountability and love, I chose to come out the other side.
Love you all,
Jennifer
aka just some girl trying to get in heaven
