Judge NOT!!!

Have you ever noticed that one of the hardest things for most people to do is focus on themselves? These days, people spend far too much time worrying about what others are doing—who they’re with, what’s happening in their household, why they didn’t come to church, or why they didn’t do something the way you think they should have.

But here’s the one that takes first place for me: judging someone you don’t even know! Just because you know someone’s name or see them once or twice a week doesn’t mean you truly know them.

I’ve found that women, unfortunately, often judge other women the most—and sometimes the harshest. Think about it: the dirty looks, the whispered comments, the gossip behind someone’s back, the judgments about appearances, and the “why is he with her?” remarks. Yes, even grown women do this. These are just a few ways we behave and pass judgment.

And if you’re reading this thinking, “I don’t do that,” think again—really think. Denial is a very real thing.

In second place on the “judgment scale” are couples. I often see this in my office: couples pointing fingers at one another, ready to fire off all the reasons their spouse is to blame. He’s judging her for her current behavior, while she’s judging him for his past and present behavior.

In third place? Just about everyone else, in one situation or another.

Pointing fingers will never go out of style, unfortunately. Why? Because it’s easier to judge others than to face our own shortcomings. But who are we to judge? We all have logs in our own eyes that need to be removed.

Personally, I choose to pray for those I believe need it instead of casting judgment their way. By doing so, I’m giving them fully to God—because He knows more than I ever could, and He alone has the power to change hearts.

Am I wrong for believing that God can change things? Absolutely not!

I could give you ten thousand examples of how people judge one another every second of every day, but would it change anything? No. That’s why I choose to give my confusion, my opinions, and my questions about others to God. I choose to be different from the world around me—a world where judgment comes as easily as breathing.

You know the old saying: You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. If we would just think before we speak, ask God how we should handle a situation, and—when we don’t agree with someone—not condemn them but welcome them and show them a better way… imagine how much better things could be.

What saddens me most is that I’ve seen this kind of judgmental behavior both inside and outside the church.

To my fellow church members who truly want to do what God calls us to do: show love first!

Let’s remember—God has the final word. He alone knows the heart of every person. And above all, God is the only true Judge.

Humans, please—stop taking God’s Word, twisting it into your personal interpretation, and using it against others who don’t see it the same way.

Here’s a phrase I’ll say forever:“Thank God that humans don’t have the power to cast anyone into heaven or hell.”Just think about where many of us would be if that were the case.

So, seek God first in all things. Continue to grow spiritually. Learn to pray for others more than you judge or condemn them.

The goal: Let’s win souls—not drive them away with harsh judgment. We are called to be different from the world. And if we act like the world, how can we ever hope to win souls for Christ?

Judge not.