Judgment. Such a small word for such a thing. What does judgment look like? Do we really only judge by appearances, like most people think; or does judgment come in a variety of ways? Is it speaking out of turn or acting out of haste and fear? Well, I think it could be any of these. Simple, quick judgments that value great character can destroy someone's morale. Why is this so commonplace? John 7:24 says, "Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment." We think it's not so difficult, but we don't really know what this looks like. Day in and day out, we pass judgment upon one another- whether it's a smirk or a face or meeting someone you've never talked to before. Surely we can all relate, and I am guilty of it just as much as one. We are afraid of what we don't know; afraid to hear the truth; afraid that our judgments were incorrect and now we look foolish. Romans 14:13 says, "Therefore, let us STOP passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put ANY stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way." Whatever affliction there may be, get rid of it! Who wants to live with this heavy world dragging upon their shoulders? "Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor." I love this verse (Romans 13:7). We are to be joyful in our relations with one another, doing everything out of love; learning not to pass judgment, because then we are blasphemous in trying to do the Lord's job.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Judgment
Judgment. Such a small word for such a thing. What does judgment look like? Do we really only judge by appearances, like most people think; or does judgment come in a variety of ways? Is it speaking out of turn or acting out of haste and fear? Well, I think it could be any of these. Simple, quick judgments that value great character can destroy someone's morale. Why is this so commonplace? John 7:24 says, "Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment." We think it's not so difficult, but we don't really know what this looks like. Day in and day out, we pass judgment upon one another- whether it's a smirk or a face or meeting someone you've never talked to before. Surely we can all relate, and I am guilty of it just as much as one. We are afraid of what we don't know; afraid to hear the truth; afraid that our judgments were incorrect and now we look foolish. Romans 14:13 says, "Therefore, let us STOP passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put ANY stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way." Whatever affliction there may be, get rid of it! Who wants to live with this heavy world dragging upon their shoulders? "Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor." I love this verse (Romans 13:7). We are to be joyful in our relations with one another, doing everything out of love; learning not to pass judgment, because then we are blasphemous in trying to do the Lord's job.
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