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The following comes from the devotional book “What Now?” by Ashley Akers. To learn more, go to www.whatnowdevo.com.
Judging
“Don’t judge me.” Ever heard that one before? While I honestly try not to judge people and show grace instead, I sometimes get caught up in it. Especially judging the ones who have hurt me. When I haven’t fully been reconciled with a person, it is easy to judge the motives behind their behavior and I think like I am the one who has it all together. When I judge their motives, it puts division between us. But when I have a close relationship with a person, it is easy to apologize and forgive. Am I the only one?
When two people are divided, who is the source of the division? The answer is the enemy. The Greek word for “devil” is “diablos”, which means “the one who divides”. He is a false accuser, loves to sever relationships, loves to unjustly criticize and condemns with the purpose to destroy or hurt others. Read that last line again. Have you experienced any of those when you judge a person? Is the relationship severed? Did you accuse or criticize the person? Do you condemn? When we sit back and judge people, we allow the enemy to take a seat and be the director of the situation.
Spoiler alert – it will always end badly!
When I judge someone, the Holy Spirit always convicts me and asks, “What was your part in this?” Figuring out my part takes the focus off the other person. How can I accuse when I am guilty?
Jesus said in Matthew 7:1-5, “Judge not, that you not be judged. 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 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.”
It is easy to magnify the situation and place all blame on the other person and easier to excuse ourselves. We must own up to our part; when we do that, it humbles us. Reconciliation is easier when driven by humility. Let’s try not to waste our precious time on earth with conflict caused by judging others. When conflict arises, trust in God to work it out within yourself and the other person and pray for each other. God is the ultimate Judge and we will all be judged in the end for our actions and words, as stated in Matthew 12:36:
“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified and by your words you will be condemned.”
Our speech reveals our hearts. So, I will challenge you the next time you want to judge and criticize another person, pray first. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you a new attitude towards this person and then let Him work. No one else knows our hearts and our motives like God does. Don’t assume that you know, but trust Him to work it out.
Reflection Questions
- With whom are you experiencing division from being judgmental? What was your part in the division?
- How important is reconciliation? How does reconciliation (or the lack thereof) affect your relationship with God?
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