Beware Of Judging Others

Beware Of Judging Others

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.

Matthew 7:1–2

Forgiveness of sins and tolerance for others are indispensable to the Christian life. We should bear with each other and forgive one another. As Paul taught, “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves” (Romans 15:1). This is what Christ meant when he said, “Stop judging.” Some Christians have greater and better gifts than others. This is necessary, especially for preachers. No one should act superior to others or think of himself or herself as better than those who don’t have such gifts. Among believers, no one should try to dominate anyone else. On the surface, there is a difference between people. A prince has a higher position than a farmer. A preacher has more education than an ordinary worker. But in their hearts, Christians should be of one mind despite their different positions in society. They should disregard external differences.

As a Christian, you should accept others by making allowances for your neighbor, even if your neighbor occupies a lower position in society and has fewer gifts than you do. You should respect the work of a servant tending horses as much as you respect your own work, whether it is governing or preaching. Your work may appear to have a greater impact than your neighbor’s, but you must not judge by outward appearances. You should always remember that your Christian neighbor has the same faith and the same Christ as you do. Your neighbor receives as much of God’s grace as you do. There is one God who creates everyone and gives each one of us our own gifts. God is pleased by the least as well as the greatest.