Facing Judgment

Do you consider yourself to be a judgmental person? Do you pass judgment on people by the way they dress, their accent, their personal preferences, or their cultural background? What are your reasons for passing judgment? Have you taken time to evaluate your own life?

We like to say we do not judge others. We may even say, “It is not my job to judge someone else.” Yet, we judge others, even if we do so unknowingly. Sometimes, we purposely pass judgment on others. Judging others is as ingrained in us as though it were a sixth sense.

Let’s look at what the Apostle Paul tells us about judgment. First, he is speaking specifically about judging our brothers and sisters in Christ. Second, he uses knowledge and logic to make his point. We all know that one day we will stand before God. We all know our own faults and failures. The logical question is, “Who are we to judge our brother or sister?”

I know, I know, some of you may say, “But my sin is not as bad as someone else’s.” Sorry, but that is not a solid rock to stand on. In fact, it is quicksand. The smallest of sins required Jesus to go to the cross to save us. The mere fact that we took an ink pen from our place of work to use in our personal checkbook required Jesus to go to the cross. So, even though we, being human, may look at a particular sin as being more egregious, God doesn’t. Each one of them caused his Son to die for us.

Paul’s logic makes perfect sense when we realize each one of us would be doomed if it weren’t for the act of Jesus. Rather than judging our brother or sister, we should show compassion, mercy, and forgiveness. That is how we follow in the footsteps of Jesus. That is how we progress toward perfection. That is how we show our love for Him.

I pray we all seek to follow in Jesus’ footsteps. I pray we demonstrate compassion to our brothers and sisters. I pray each one of us think before we judge one another. Follow Jesus. Know He went to the cross for you. Show compassion. Be forgiving. Show mercy. Show Jesus’ love.

Romans 14:10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.