Matthew 7:1-5 “Stop judging others, and you will not be judged. For others will treat you as you treat them. Whatever measure you use in judging others, it will be used to measure how you are judged. And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log from your own eye; then perhaps you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.” (NLT)
Luke 6:37-38 “Stop judging others, and you will not be judged. Stop criticizing others, or it will all come back on you. If you forgive others, you will be forgiven. If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving-large or small-it will be used to measure what is given back to you.” (NLT)
Pastor Mark said something one day that really struck a chord in me. He said, “Put away the judgement guns. Holster those rascals.”
I have been on both ends of that weapon…..barrel and grip end. I remember years ago, every time we got in the car after church I had something to say about someone. “Did you see what so-and-so was wearing?” “He didn’t even talk to me, just walked by.” Blah, blah, blah……..yuck! That was me on the grip end.
Facing the barrel, I have been pummeled with word bullets and misunderstood more times than I can count. At one time it was so intense that I said, “Lord, I’m so tired of being blamed for everything that goes wrong and for being misunderstood.” That wonderful still, small voice, “I know what you mean.”
Who are we to condemn and judge? What makes us think we have the right to look at someone that has tattoos, smokes, drinks, dresses differently, and has piercings and say they shouldn’t?! Who are we to sit at the table for dinner and pick apart a meal that someone has lovingly prepared? Who are we to point out to those around us everything they are doing wrong? That’s not our business, nor our job. Look!
Romans 14:3-4 Those who think it is all right to eat anything must not look down on those who won’t. And those who won’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them. Who are you to condemn God’s servants? They are responsible to the Lord, so let Him tell them whether they are right or wrong. The Lord’s power will help them do as they should. (NLT)
I learned when He showed me myself. I learned to shut my mouth…to guard what came out. He calls us to love others, not hurt their hearts.
I heard something once that really hurt my heart. Mahatma Gandhi read the Bible and he was amazed by Jesus Christ and wanted to meet Him. He went to a church that professed the Lord as Savior, but they made him leave because he was darker skinned. Look at this:
“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” (Mohandas Gandhi, also know as Mahatma Gandhi.)
It makes me weep with sorrow. How many have I repelled because of my words and actions?
Holy Father, help us to love others as You do, because apart from You we can’t. Give us discernment to see the hearts of those around us and the words to speak to that place in their heart that only You know. Help us to know when to keep our mouths closed and to see others with Your eyes. May the abundance of our hearts be You. Amen.
Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
