Matthew 7:1-2 AMP
[1] “ Do not judge and criticize and condemn [others unfairly with an attitude of self-righteous superiority as though assuming the office of a judge], so that you will not be judged [unfairly]. [2] For just as you [hypocritically] judge others [when you are sinful and unrepentant], so will you be judged; and in accordance with your standard of measure [used to pass out judgment], judgment will be measured to you.
The verses above help clarify the meaning of the word 'judge', as opposed to other words such as 'correct'. The Bible has clear advice and guidance on both situations, and it will be of great value to know what both mean, and how to ensure I relate with other people in line with God's will and Word. The word 'judge, means to 'form an opinion or conclusion about' something or someone. It could be as a result of an experience I had with the person or something I heard about the person, or it could even be something the person told me. Whatever it is, if that information leads me to a conclusion that is not in line with God's will, I need to seek the help of the Holy Spirit. Human relationships are always complex, and we may not always know everything about everyone, but whatever I come to know about another person must become an inspiration for intercession.
Whatever path the person may be on, I must make up my mind to take that person to God in prayer, asking for help for that person to either remain on the right path, or for God to help the person know the right path. This understanding helps me know that I could also be the one in need of help and encouragement, and I would want people to plead my case before God in prayer, and not point fingers at me. I am on a journey to heaven, and there will be habits to break and new ones to take up. I would want someone to be a shoulder to cry on, a hand to help me and a mouth to encourage me when I need it. Does the above describe me in any way? Do I light up a room when I come in, or does the light and life go out when I walk in? The flip side is also not to keep quiet if God has given me grace to identify an issue that needs to be addressed. How it is done also matters. Would I want to stand on the podium of pride or do I want to speak from the foundation of love?
In correcting, I am conscious of my own walk with God and careful to note my previous failings. I do not take anything for granted, but rely on a daily basis for grace to help me walk right, and be the right examples for other people. I take careful thought to my own life too, so I do not become a hypocrite who can clearly see other people's faults but deliberately blind to my own weakness. God can give me victory over a matter, but it does not make me better than those who are struggling; it only places me in a unique position to be able to offer help and support to those who now need it. The fact that the measure I give will also come back to me must make me careful, conscious and deliberate about my actions and interactions today. It will all come back to me; whatever it is I desire must be what I give out. God's time of favour is here.
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