In today’s reading God is teaching us a very practical issue which if not understood and followed correctly will cause many to stumble and fall. Judging others is the matter discussed in these verses. God is the Righteous Judge, and He will judge at the right time. Till then all these unjustifiable acts that are happening around us will keep on going. Let us carefully evaluate this subject from the Word of God to have a balanced approach to these things.

Judging others: "Do not judge others, and you will not be judged (Matt. 7:1). We are not called to judge others. The reason why Jesus taught this is because, we all are equally sinners before a holy God and no one is righteous enough to pass a judgment. Basically we Christians are sinners saved by grace. So our merit is based on Him alone. So nothing in us is worthy enough to pass judgment on others. If we opt to judge others it will be arising from our Self righteous ground and not based on the reality. That is why Bible teaches us to consider our faults first before we pass a comment on others. So if we know our own sinful nature then we will be ashamed to pass judgment on others. You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. (Rom.2:1 NLT)

Many a time our judgment is more to magnify us or to show that we are better than others. In turn we become more prying on others and leave behind our own faults. It creates disunity and at the same time destroys the one who keeps on judging others. But the Christian is called to operate in love. This calls us to be more considerate about others. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. (1Peter 4:8)

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How to operate in love: If we see anyone doing something wrong it is the duty of the fellow believer to correct the brother or sister in love- not being judgmental about it. Only bring it to their attention and help them to overcome that weakness in his or her fleshly nature by admonishing them lovingly. This is the biblical conduct. If we don’t correct the other person and allow him to continue in sin then we are doing him/her wrong. Love thinks the best for the other person. Even if it is troublesome a person who thinks highly about others and loves them will take the first chance to correct them in love. 

Also we need to take care about not majoring in minor things: Vegetarian or Non Vegetarian; wearing a particular type of dress or ornaments; keeping special days etc; are causes of greater quarrels among the saints of God. These trivial things have to be set aside, and we need to be considerate about others. Our whole attitude should originate out of love towards others and not for gratifying our selfish nature!

Prayer: “Dear Father in heaven help me to operate in Love and grow in it. I have been always judgmental about others. Please forgive me and change me. In Jesus name. Amen.”