Matthew 7:1-2 -  "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged."

Jesus had no tolerance for those judgmental Pharisees. What a miserable bunch they were! This religious sect of the Jews was always looking for something to nitpick about regarding violation of the law of Moses or their own man-made traditions. Their critiquing ran the gamut from judging the disciples for not washing their hands to criticizing Jesus for healing of the Sabbath. Consider Jesus' response to them:

"You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me." (John 8:15-16).

Judgmental people engage in a critical, faultfinding assessment of another person's behavior. What is amazing is that they judge others by their actions but judge themselves by their intentions. Of course, most of us tend to judge others from an autobiographical viewpoint. If someone's behavior does not reflect a choice or decision we would have made, we judge it as wrong. I often catch myself judging people who move at a slow pace or nonchalantly as lazy or lacking motivation -- simply because the only two modes I move in are "intense" and "off." I have to remind myself that they are not lazy but just different.

There are some people who pass judgment on others based solely upon rumors they may have heard that may not have any truth to them. Benjamin Franklin once said, "I will speak ill of no man, not even in the matter of truth, but rather excuse the faults I hear, and, upon proper occasions, speak all the good I know of everybody." It kind of goes along with the old parental advice of: "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."

We have to be careful of how we discuss others. Jesus based His judgment of people's behavior on nothing other than God's standard. This is the only basis from which we can righteously judge. We would do well to focus more on judging ourselves than hunting for specks in the matters of others.

Pray for those whom you observe walking contrary to God's standards -- but avoid judgment. If you have a genuine concern for someone and have earned the right to address his or her behavior, then do so in the spirit of love. Remember that you earn the right by consistently demonstrating your care and support.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to not judge others as I go throughout my day, but rather look at how I can be a better person myself. Help me to pray for those who do not live by your word and be an example of your love to those around me. Amen.

I pray that you have a wonderful week this week and know that you are blessed and highly favored by the Father.

God Bless You,
Pastor Karen Schatzline