About That Judging
- Dr. Teresa Allissa Citro
- Feb 19, 2018
- 3 min read
Judging others is dangerous territory as it puts you in a superior place you don't belong. God is the only Righteous Judge, meaning He judges fairly, and God's intentions are never to destroy the person. He judges with love, compassion, and kindness. His intent is to give the person the opportunity to repent and change their ways.
Our job is to remember every time we judge we condemn ourselves. As we judge we are judged by God himself. I don't know about you, but I do not want to be in those shoes of judging before God. This does not, in no way, mean we condone, hide, excuse, or participate in sin. It simply means we stand strong in our convictions, but we do not judge another person. That right only belongs to God.
Here's an idea. Why don't we pray for people we feel are so horrible? If we think we know their heart's intentions and motives or if we think we are God, then judge away. I would like to ask, is anyone reading this post entry God? Do you know their pain, hurts, and hardships? In other words, have you walked in their shoes for you to think you can sit with others and discuss another person and pass judgment?
Our hearts are not good. No person is sinless. No person is superior to the next. If we have not done the most horrific things in life, it's because of the grace of God that somehow was bestowed on us, unmerited and unearned.
MEDITATION: "My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires." (James 1:19-20) "...For God Himself is judge." (Psalm 50:6) Can we be careful with our words? Can we go out of our way to love those who we believe are sinning? Can we light the way by our kindness, love, compassion, and support of those who are truly hurting? Can we come down from our high horses and embrace those we deem unacceptable? Finally, can we love without wanting anything in return? For example by removing our huge egos, our agendas, our need to show off, can we quietly remain behind the scenes while along truly making a difference and making a huge impact in the lives of those who are struggling? It's these kind of people whom God uses to move on His behalf. God's not looking for judges and know-it-alls. This isn't a court of law. He's looking for genuine, non-judgmental, loving kind of people to help, heal, restore, and mend the broken. You can be this kind of person by letting go of your misguided judgmental behaviors. What will you do with this thought today? It's between you and God. Those who have ears to hear will know what the Spirit is saying.
Dr. Teresa Allissa Citro
PRAYER: The heavens declare Your righteousness, Heavenly Father, for You are Judge, the Righteous Judge who concerns Himself with mercy and justice and faithfulness. You alone, O God, are the Law Giver, the One who is able to save and destroy. Who am I that I would judge my neighbor? Father God, let your Holy Spirit be the Guard Over My Mouth, the Shield Around My Mind, and the Wall Around My Heart. Father, fill me with Your words You would have me to speak. Teach me to wield the Sword of the Spirit properly and in a way that is pleasing to You. Keeper of My Soul, I am surrendering control to You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Linda A. Knowles
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