HOW TO CONQUER THE TEMPTATION TO JUDGE
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On a hillside with a commanding view of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus presents His Sermon on the Mount. He is instructing His disciples and followers in kingdom living. The message is daunting. The ideals proposed seem impossible. Yet Jesus is introducing a new kingdom, the kingdom of God… where heaven meets earth… and the law of the land is love…
Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. – Matthew 7:1-2
Near the conclusion of His sermon, Jesus issues this warning… Do not judge. To “judge” here refers to a critical or condemning assessment of another person. Our Lord is denouncing such behavior. For a critical spirit violates God’s command of love. He is asking us to rise above our fleshly temptation to criticize others.
Only Jesus is the rightful Judge. Only He can judge fairly, balancing justice and mercy. He is our measuring rod. Without the perfect love and omniscience of Christ, we do not have the right to pass judgment upon others.
Jesus is expressing the idea that what you sow you will reap. Sow love and you will reap love. Sow judgment and you will reap judgment. When we criticize others, we are acting as judge… using our imperfect selves as a measuring rod.
Criticism reflects poorly on the giver. In issuing harsh, unfair criticism, one will come across as shallow, hypocritical. In passing along disparaging, hurtful criticism, one will appear spiteful, self-righteous. Even seemingly harmless criticism will make one look petty, insensitive, insecure.
Ultimately, we will be the ones judged. One day, all will stand before the judgment seat of Christ (Romans 14:10). He will judge how closely we reflected His character… how carefully we followed in His footsteps… and how compassionate we were toward our fellow man.
Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. – Matthew 7:3-5
Jesus here issues a challenge to all believers. In this memorable word picture, He is asking us to address our own failings before pointing out the failings of others. For our visual acuity is often keen when examining another’s shortcomings while we are blind to our own. Yet our Lord sees. We are to seek to emulate His love, mercy and acceptance.
5 Ways to Overcome a Critical Spirit
People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. – 1 Samuel 16:7
1. See others as Jesus sees them – For each are made in the image of the Creator. He loves all with an infinite love. He ransomed His life for all mankind. Love as He loves us. Accept others as He accepts you. Look for the best in others. Respect one another as unique creations of God. Treat others as Jesus treats you, with His heart of mercy.
At whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. – Romans 2:1
2. Look closely, inwardly at your heart and life – Be mindful of your own faults. For we often criticize the very shortcomings in others that we exhibit ourselves. Judge yourself in all humility. Let the Holy Spirit guide you as you examine your underlying motives for a critical spirit – jealousy, hurt, disappointment, rejection, unforgiveness.
It is amazing from what a mere fraction of a fact concerning him a man will dare judge the whole of another man. – George MacDonald
3. Rise above hypocrisy and resist spiritual pride – Turn away from self-righteousness. For criticizing is a way of exalting self at another’s expense… tearing others down to prop oneself up… claiming a higher moral ground. People often bond together against a common “enemy” to gain a sense of belonging. Yet this only leads to a breaking down of the unity of the Spirit to which our Lord calls us.
God never gives us discernment in order that we may criticize, but that we may intercede. – Oswald Chambers
4. Counter a critical spirit with empathy – Intercede in prayer on behalf of others. Any divine revelation the Lord gives us of someone is for this purpose. When critical, judgmental thoughts arise in your mind, lift the person in prayer to the One who perfectly understands. For it is difficult to criticize someone for whom you pray.
For the kingdom of God is… righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. – Romans 14:17, 19
5. Be like Jesus to your world – Exhibit humble kindness and merciful compassion. Be mindful of your words. Seek to build up rather than tear down. Bear with one another in love. Always aim for peace and harmony in the Spirit. Treat others with the grace our Lord so perfectly displays toward us. Emit His sweet aroma to the saved and unsaved alike. For everyone is inherently worthy and valued in God’s eyes.
† Eternal Takeaway – We leave all judgment to Jesus, the one rightful Judge †
