Judge Not.

          I have had several interactions recently with people in my family where I have felt extremely judged. I used to feel guilty when I felt judged, but now I just feel angry. And I am not out to blame anyone, because I have been one of the most judgmental people that I know. As I stated in the previous post, there are many ways that I am a product of my culture. But as Dr. Henry Cloud has said, “At some point ‘that’s how he [or she] was raised’ ceases to be an excuse.” I think we are responsible for our own thoughts and actions, hence why I have been thinking about and am now writing about this.

So back to my opening statement, since I have been more acutely aware of my own tendency to judge and my gratefulness to God for the many ways that I am growing in this area and becoming a more loving person, it bothers be to maybe an exaggerated extent when I feel judged by others. Thus I’ve felt very angry at these people whom I love, and am trying to figure out whether it’s better to mention how it bothers me or to simply let it go and pray for more grace. In thinking about all of this and the topic of judgment, I’ve come up with three conclusions: 1) Don’t judge your fellow humans! You are not God and you do not know the heart of that person completely nor the will of God for that person. Don’t project your opinions or God’s plan for you onto other people. 2) The Bible is (obviously) not interpreted the same way by all people, and it’s not our job to judge whether others are right or wrong in their interpretation. Shoot, anyone has as good a chance (or better!) as me in interpreting how the scriptures apply to life. It’s God’s place to judge, not ours (I often wonder why I try to fill those shoes that I was never meant to fill. I cause myself so much unnecessary stress!). And I’m pretty sure humans will experience the love of God more profoundly through love than through judgment. 3) When you feel the need to talk to someone about an issue, approach him or her humbly, not accusingly or blamefully. 

Do not judge others, and you will not be judged (Matthew 7:1)

Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven (Luke 6:37)

He [Jesus] did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly (1 Peter 2:23)