Judgement Is Mine

​JUDGEMENT IS MINE Lord, you say judgement is yours, and yours alone. Why is that, and how can we avoid judging each other? Especially Christians. We seem so judgmental. We judge each others faith, maturity, “fruit”, denominations, and more. How can we sit in judgement...

​JUDGEMENT IS MINE

Lord, you say judgement is yours, and yours alone. Why is that, and how can we avoid judging each other? Especially Christians. We seem so judgmental. We judge each others faith, maturity, “fruit”, denominations, and more. How can we sit in judgement of each other?

My child, you live in a fallen world where this is the case. Many will judge you. Their judgement does not amount to condemnation. You belong to me. I am the sole judge of you.

But why do Christ-followers, who claim to know you, judge each other? After all we have been forgiven for, how can this be?

My beloved, this is an age-old issue within the church and among My followers. It’s important to understand the reasons and how My Word provides guidance on this.

In the book of Romans, the apostle Paul addresses the very same concern you have. He tells the believers, “You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things” (Romans 2:1). This shows that Christians too, are susceptible to the sin of judgmentalism.

JUDGEMENTALISM

Lord Jesus, this is a new word for me. I have not heard this word before, but it makes sense. Some of your Christ-followers are very judgmental. This is true. And yes, this is a sin that needs repentance. Often, we judge each other due to a lack of humility. We forget what you taught us about removing the plank from one’s own eye before pointing out the speck in someone else’s eye (Matthew 7:3-5). There is a tendency among fallen humans to elevate oneself while looking down on others.

Child, you and everyone who follows me is either coming from a place of love or fear. My perfect love casts out fear. Humans tend to fear what they do not understand.

Lord, sometimes insecurity can lead to fear. So I have to look at my part. Sometimes, I can make people feel insecure.

Dear child, your job is not to make people feel secure. That is up to them, and their relationship with me. But yes, some might judge others in order to feel better about their own insecurities. They forget My words: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged” (Matthew 7:1).

DENOMINATIONAL FEAR

Lord, what about the divisions among Christ-followers?

The divisions among denominations, theological interpretations, and cultural practices may lead to misunderstandings and judgments. Christians must remember the apostle Paul’s exhortation to the Ephesians: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).

Yes, Lord. Unity is key, but we have such a lack of unity in the body of Christ.

Child, you need to lead above that fray. Do not allow yourself to look down on any denomination as better than any other one. All have fallen short of my glory.

AVOIDING JUDGING EACH OTHER

Lord Jesus, how can we avoid judging each other?

Firstly, remember My grace and love. In the book of Ephesians, Paul reminds the church, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). If you truly internalize the magnitude of the grace you have received, it will be easier to extend grace to others.

Yes, Lord. And turning the other cheek when we are judged, correct?

Yes, my child. Those for follow me should strive to love one another as I have loved them (John 13:34). Love does not judge harshly, but seeks to understand, support, and encourage. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things (1 Corinthians 13:7). Christ-followers should also encourage and build each other up. The apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Instead of focusing on each other’s flaws, concentrate on how you can support and edify one another. And, remember the wisdom from James: “Whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it” (James 2:10). This serves as a reminder that no one is without sin, and it is not one’s place to sit in judgment over a fellow believer.

FORGIVING THOSE WHO JUDGE US

My dear child, as you walk through this world, be mindful of the grace, love, and forgiveness that you have received through Me. Extend this grace to your fellow believers, and seek unity and edification instead of judgment. Keep your heart humble, remembering that it is only by My grace that you are saved, not by your own works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Let love and encouragement be the lens through which you view your brothers and sisters in Christ. “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification” (Romans 14:19).

Lord, thank you for these words of wisdom today. Amen.

Your aspiring servant, who loves his name’s meaning: “God is my judge.”
Daniel M.
3 July 2023

POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent conversation with God blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, reach out at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily Conversations with Christ.