Most Christian people have heard what Jesus said in Matthew 7:1-2, "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." Even unbelievers have heard things like "What goes around comes around." In short, many of us have heard the admonition to not be too hasty to judge a situation or an individual's actions. The truth is that "judging" is still is a major problem in the lives of many people. Let's look deeper.

There are some situations that do require us to judge or discern what's going on in a matter. Jesus is referring to being a critic regarding the conduct of someone. The reason is simple. When I "judge" someone, I am saying the I know all the motives, reasons and attitudes behind why someone did what they did! I am actually saying that I have all the answers to that situation and declare myself to be God! It becomes the highest form of pride that exists! Truthfully, I don't know anything about why someone did what they did. I am not walking in their shoes. I am not under the pressure that they are under. That person acted based on the sum of information that they have received for all their life! I wasn't around to know what kind of information that was! Yes, their actions may seem to have been wrong, but through my years as a believer I have discovered that the motive of the heart is what God looks on first, before any punishing action is taken.

Much more to be said. Remember, how we judge another will come back to bite us or bless us! It's always better to err on the side of mercy and not judgment. I'm not God! I don't know all things! (just ask my biology professor from college). I don't know why they did what they did, and even if I do, mercy is the better road. James 2:13 tells us that "...mercy triumphs over judgment." Have a great week.

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