Withhold Criticism and Judgement (May 16, 2023)

“Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.” (Romans 2:1)

As flawed human beings, me being chief among them, we tend to be critical of one another and quick to judge the very people we have been called to unconditionally love and freely forgive. As Christian witnesses and ambassadors for Christ, we damage our personal testimony when we hypocritically criticize and judge others for the same imperfections that exist in our own lives. Before lashing out at others, we should evaluate the purity of our own hearts. We have all been created in God’s image; therefore, godly qualities have been instilled in everyone. Instead of looking for the good in other people, however, we readily point out their mistakes, failures, and transgressions against us and seek to inflict vengeance that belongs exclusively to God. We must remember that Jesus died for them as well for as us!

“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” (Ephesians 4:29)

Rather than finding fault in other people, especially those who have mistreated us, as difficult and as necessary as it certainly is, we should recognize their dignity as God’s fellow creations and make intercession for them through our humble prayers and petitions. A definite sign of spiritual maturity in our daily Christian walk is a ready willingness to forgive others as God has graciously and mercifully forgiven our sins, undeserving though we are. It may seem unthinkable to show love and kindness to someone who has deeply hurt us, but that is exactly what Jesus did and the first thing we should be doing as His followers. Instead of putting other people down, seeking revenge, and unjustly damaging their reputations, we must love them and lift them up by the Christlike way we think, speak, and act toward them. God help us all!

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)