JUDGING OTHERS
26th Apr 2017
Judging others can be a ‘way of life’, something you’ve grown up with, and possibly you are so used to it you don’t even know it’s happening. When you denigrate others you consider yourself greater than they are, in criticising others you consider yourself better.
I grew up around people who always had a comment about everyone’s appearance, actions, opinions, etc. At times it could appear funny, but it wasn’t because it was negative, hurtful, prideful and judgemental.
I realised that I too was being engulfed by this habit, I had learned not to ‘express’ negative statements, what the Holy Spirit showed me was that I still ‘thought’ them. Conviction and change came as I pondered Romans 14.
The chapter in the Message is headed, “Cultivating Good Relationships.” Verse 4 (NIV) says, “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.” The Message puts it this way, “Do you have any business crossing people off the guest list....God can handle that without your help.”
When I see things that cause me to react negatively, I often pray using this scripture, “Lord help them, they are your servants and I release them and into Your hands.” If you are dealing with a fellow believer, tread carefully, you are talking about someone in whom Christ lives and someone He loves as much as you, and someone He is changing from the inside. You do not know God’s timetable.
Most people know when they are being criticised, even when no words are spoken. Judgement is felt, rather like tasting something bitter. For years I prayed for more patience with people; one day I realised you can’t have a judging attitude and have love. Get rid of judging behaviour and love and appreciation will take residence in your heart.
Let the Holy Spirit root out the weeds of criticism, negative thoughts and speech and the love will flow. Jesus loved people who were far from perfect, and His love and acceptance enabled them to change.
Remember “Mercy triumphs over Judgement!” (James 2:13)
by Joyce Sibthorpe
