Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. — Matthew 7:1-2 KJV
Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. — Matthew 7:1-2 NIV
Reflection
Are you judgmental? Do you think you have the ability to understand the motivations of another person’s heart? Do you have a negative and critical outlook on the actions of other people? Jesus wants each of us to understand that it is impossible for us to know the intentions that lie within another person’s heart. When we pass judgment on other people in a way that is unjustly harsh or bitingly critical, we are establishing the standard by which God will pass judgment on ourselves. I don’t know about you, but I’m not prepared to trade the grace of God for the unjustified severity of my own actions. How about you? I’m going to make more of an effort to look at other people with grace and charity.
My Prayer
Heavenly Father, please forgive me, for being unjustly harsh and critical in my assessments of other people’s character and behavior. I am grateful that you have showered me with so much mercy and grace through Jesus, which has made my life so abundant and free. I ask that you give me the grace and mercy to be more kind and charitable in the manner that I evaluate the aim and motivation of my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
