JUDGING:PART TWO

In talking about being judgmental it should also be mentioned not to be condemning those who are not cookie cutter images of yourself. My thoughts drifted to churches who may have a "dress code" and if someone enters who is in jeans or torn shirt, look out!! Don't get me started on tattoos, funny colors of hair, or body piercings. Whether they are right or wrong is not the point. Some of these young people have true hearts for God. Just because they do not look what you think is the norm is  no reason to shut your heart to them. What about grace, mercy, and compassion? Many churches today are reaching thousands because the people feel comfortable coming just as they are. The hymn 'Just As I Am' should hold true. We come with all our imperfections to the cross of Jesus.

Matthew 7:1-2 says “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."  Romans 2:1 says "you therefore have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things." Romans 14:10 says "You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat." 1 Corinthians 4:5 says "Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God."

 Luke 6:37 tells us “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.". Many of us may act like we are better than others. Everyone has messed up at one point or other. God can redeem so let Him. John 8:37 in regards to the crowds condemning the woman caught in act of adultery says "When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.". You get the picture. Don't act so holier than thou. Be able to reach out to those not in your comfort zone for a change. Do not let appearances stop you. 

On a final note certain denominations may feel there way is right and all others are wrong and therefore judge in that respect. Romans 14:5 says "One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind." Colossians 2:16 says "Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day."   God will be the truth revealer.  Do not feel like you have to be setting everyone straight. It Is a big job to play God and we are not supposed to be doing it.

Basically reach out to others. Show Christ's love, compassion, and mercy to those He places in your path each day.

PRAYER:  Father God if I have ever acted superior to others or condemned or judged anyone wrongly please forgive me. Help me to not make ugly comments when a person comes in somewhere and does not look like what I think they should look like. You love all people Lord so help me to learn that same kind of love. In Jesus name. Amen!


Click on the following link when you are able to turn speakers up and listen to this wonderful worship song by Jeremy Riddle entitled "Sweetly Broken" http://youtu.be/fyJuKHvoPGc

Read Romans 14:13-23 in your spare time.