Be mindful when judging others. The Bible says in Matthews 7:1-7,
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3 "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
People are quick to point out the flaws in others yet are tight-lipped about their own. Their eyes are closed to seeing their own. When you understand judgment, flaws, forgiveness, and the grace and mercy of God, you will be not only compassionate but also not judgmental. Nevertheless, people will also judge your relationship with God and its authenticity. Do not allow the judgment of others or your flaws to stop you from praising and having a relationship with God. Always remember, we all miss the mark, and God is not through with you yet.
King David was not perfect, but he is in the Bible, repenting and being granted forgiveness.
Apostle Paul (Saul of Tarsus) was not perfect, but there he is in the Bible, repenting and being granted forgiveness, and he became a valuable tool in God's teaching in the early church.
Rahab, the prostitute, was not perfect; look how her name is referenced. She was not perfect; here she is, not only in the Bible, God used her. Rahab demonstrated great faith and is listed as having direct lineage to Jesus Christ.
James 2:24-26 says,
"24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.
25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead."
When we look back over our lives, none of us should be so quick to think we have been pure as snow. None of us has always said the right things. None of us has always handled things perfectly.
Have a judgment-free day. Stop looking for the flaws in others. Love and pray for yourself and others.
"Being judgmental of someone's relationship with God can have them stop talking and praising God altogether. That is not what God wants. Allow God to change a person and their behaviors, not your words of judgment and criticism. That person is trying the best they can; you are, in turn, deterring them." - Alston Shropshire
