Are You Guilty of This? The Startling Impact of Judgment

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Why is it so much easier to point out the flaws and failures we see in others than admit the ones we need to work on ourselves?

Let’s examine the impact of judgment…

Jesus said…

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.” 

“How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye?”

Matthew 7:1, 4

I noticed this struggle in a Bible Class we used to attend. Our discussions often veered off to things that were considered big sins, but avoided topics like gossip, pride, or divisiveness. Now I see the same thing on social media.

It’s so much easier to judge things we don’t think we do. No one wants to talk about the sins they know they’re guilty of. Paul understood the problem. He grew up under Jewish Law and worked hard to be “good.”

But then the Holy Spirit inspired him to write about God’s judgment of sin in his letter to the Romans…

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. And we know that God, in His justice, will punish anyone who does such things. 

Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that His kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?

Romans 2:1–4

Let’s play a little “have you ever.”

Have you ever…

• Been hurt by someone’s gossip about you, only to sit and talk about it with someone else?
• Judged someone for over-indulging, but ignored your own at the last holiday celebration.
• Been critical of your neighbor’s spending habits, while making excuses for your own.
• Found fault with someone else’s lies, but considered your own just exaggerating or stretching the truth.

Well, the truth is, we’re all guilty.

The “such people” Paul was talking about were unbelievers, but he quickly cautions readers not to get prideful because they are “just as bad.” It’s not that followers of Jesus no longer sin; it’s that they humbly repent and trust in Jesus’ sacrificial love.

The Life Application Bible Notes remind us that we need to speak the truth about sin to ourselves. Adding…

“Often the sins we notice most clearly in others are the ones that have taken root in us.”

Ouch! That’s humbling! And it’s a reminder that no one can obey God’s Law perfectly. We need the One who did.

After meeting Jesus, the perfect Savior, on the road to Damascus, Paul began to understand the truth about the New Covenant of God’s grace. He realized that he could never be “good” enough based on his effort, but because God is “wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient,” he wanted to turn from sin and respond with faith, hope, and love.

That should be our response as well. May our hearts desire to SEEK, KNOW, LOVE, TRUST, and OBEY God, who placed the judgment we deserve on His Son, so that we might be forgiven and live for and with Him forever.

Let’s pray…

A Prayer to Remember and Live
The Truth About Judgment

Father, thank you for Your loving patience. Your Word tells us that we will each be judged by You. But it also tells us that You want everyone to be saved by coming to the truth about Your Son, Jesus. (1 Timothy 2:4)

You are patient and loving, and want us to humble ourselves in repentance through faith in Him.

Because You are patient with us, You want us to be patient with one another. Because we are forgiven, You tell us to forgive others. And because we are sinners, You tell us to surrender to You and let You help us change the way we think and act.

Please forgive me for being quick to point out the sin I see in others rather than facing and changing the sin that is within me.

Father, the truth is that my judgment of others hurts my relationship with You and my connections to them. It is prideful and foolish. I’m so sorry for being quick to criticize others while making excuses for myself. Please forgive me.

Give me a humble, caring heart. Help me honestly share my own struggles while gently speaking Your truth in love, so that I can help everyone I meet know the blessing of Your grace, mercy, and love. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Missionary and author John C. Broger wrote…

“Learning how to love your neighbor requires a willingness to draw on the strength of Jesus Christ as you die to self and live for Him. Living in this manner allows you to practice biblical love for others in spite of adverse circumstances or your feelings to the contrary.”

When you and I realize we are being judgmental of others, may we quickly and humbly acknowledge it, confess it, and give it to God.

He is gracious and merciful, and by the power of His Spirit, He promises to give us the strength we need to see the person beneath the flaw. He will help us love our neighbor and gently speak the truth with care and compassion.

Biblical love leaves the judgment to God and tells people the blessing of knowing and receiving God’s patience and forgiveness.

May He bless you with His presence and peace now and always.

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