HelpFinder Bible - Flipbook - Page 193
page A191
A judgmental spirit leads us to mistakenly consider ourselves morally superior to others—
we deserve blessing, they deserve judgment. This displays dependence on our good
deeds, not God’s grace.
• 1 SA MU E L 1 6 :7 | But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height,
for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by
outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
God doesn’t want you to make judgments based on outward appearance.
• L E VI T I C U S 1 9 :1 5 | “Always judge people fairly.”
When you have to make a judgment, do so with fairness and integrity.
What are the consequences of judging others?
• 2 SA MU E L 1 2 :5 -7 | David was furious. “As surely as the Lord lives,” he vowed, “any man
who would do such a thing deserves to die! He must repay four lambs to the poor man for
the one he stole and for having no pity.” Then Nathan said to David, “You are that man!”
If you are too quick to judge others, you may be found guilty of the same things.
• MAT T H E W 7 :2 | “For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in
judging is the standard by which you will be judged.”
You will be judged by the same standard you use, so it’s better to be merciful and forgiving
than harsh and critical.
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• L U K E 6 :3 7 | “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.”
• C O L O SS I A NS 3 :1 3 | Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who
offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
• G A L AT I A NS 6 :1 | Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin,
you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path.
And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.
One coach berates a player publicly for a mistake made in the game. Another coach
waits until the game is over and addresses the player privately with instruction about how
to avoid making the same mistake again. While no one likes criticism—even when it is
constructive—you sometimes need it. But it is much easier to receive criticism when it is
offered gently and in love rather than harshly and to humiliate. To judge someone is to criticize with no effort to see that person succeed or improve. To offer constructive criticism
is to invest in another for the purpose of building a relationship and helping that person
become the person God created him or her to be.
PROMISES FROM GOD
• MAT T H E W 7 :1 | “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.”
• 1 C O R I NT H I A NS 4 :5 | So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before
the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private
motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.
Judgment See Justice
Justice See also Accountability; Fairness; Obedience; Sin; Truth
When others wrong us, we cry out for justice. When we wrong God, we cry out for mercy.
Fortunately, God is merciful. But if we don’t accept his merciful gift of salvation, we are
subject to God’s justice, the punishment of eternal death and separation from God. Until
God sets up his eternal kingdom, where perfect justice prevails, justice will continue to
be needed here on earth—both God’s justice to urge us toward his kingdom, and earthly
law and order to keep anarchy from ruling. But we would do well to learn some lessons
HelpFinder
What’s the difference between judging others and constructive criticism?