Are you guilty of judging others? The homeless man on the side of the road holding a sign? The kid in all black or covered in tattoos? The man(or woman) just released on parole? Did you form an opinion on each of these? If we are all honest I think that we were in fact judging others. We may form an opinion (judge) by someone's appearance, what they say, how they act or a myriad of other things. Have you ever stopped and wondered why you've just judge other someone?
James 4:12 says "There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? And, in Romans 14:10 says, "You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. What a stark warning to us about judging others. God is the one true Judge--and we will all answer to Him alone.
Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. Colossians 2:16 Judging involves conforming to the world's idea not reflecting God's glory. Scripture is clear on two things about judging--1. God will judge us all--and 2. We are told not to judge others. Luke 6:37 says, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
Recently, the Holy Spirit has helped me to be more sensitive to the things of God and it has been astounding. But, at the same time it has been grievous. I now think about who I am next to God and it helps me keep my focus away from judging others. The other side of that is that if I am not judging others I tend to be serving them as Christ did--this is bearing good fruit. Ezekiel 33:20 is a reminder "But I will judge each of you according to his own ways.”
I want to be judged for my servants heart and compassion towards others not for a judgmental spirit.
