Deeper Life #346

Judge not, that ye be not judged.

—Matthew 7:1

OUR LORD SAYS TO ABSTAIN from critical judgment of others. This sounds very strange, because one characteristic of the Holy Spirit in a believer is His way of revealing things that are wrong and sinful. But the discerning power of the Holy Spirit is not for purposes of criticism; it is for the purpose of conversion.

Criticism is not a healthy habit for a wholesome spiritual life. When criticism becomes a habit, it destroys moral energy, kills faith, and paralyzes spiritual force. Criticism becomes deadly as it decomposes. If you are criticized much, it has the effect of decomposing you. That is never the work of the Holy Spirit, nor the work of a saint; it is the work of the Devil.

Abstain from criticizing others. Beware of any attitude that puts you in the place of superiority.

Prayer Thought: We human beings are given to being judgmental. Forgive us, Lord. You are the only true Judge.

SUGGESTED READING: Luke 6:37–45