Don't Quick to Judge

“There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy.

But who are you to judge your neighbour?” (James 4:12, ESV)

One of the most common negative habits that I dislike – in me and others as well – obviously, is judgmentalism. Judgmentalism is the habit of condemning people or things because they are not the way you think they should be. Judgments are easy to make, but they are hurtful. Have you ever shared your feelings with someone only to be told, “You’re overreacting” or “you bought this on yourself”? Have you ever received a harsh and critical comment for no apparent reason? If so, you know how painful judgmentalism can be.

When you find yourself about to make a judgmental comment, stop and examine what is going on inside you. Are you jumping to negative conclusions without all the facts? Are you spending more time finding fault than looking for the good? Are you judging others to make yourself feel (falsely) superior? People who find fault with others usually find fault with themselves too. It’s painful to be judged. Try not to do it to others or yourself. Instead, strive to accept the world and other people as they are without comparing them to an unfair ideal. If you want to judge, judge yourself first by God’s Word, His standard, then examine yourself all the more, stop and examine yourself again and again, and then – you may judge others. Don’t get into the habit of judgmentalism.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.