Treat Others How You Want To Be Treated

Lord, what does your Word say about judging others?

Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. Do not twist justice by favoring the poor or being partial to the rich and powerful. Always judge people fairly. Don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before Jesus returns. For he will bring your darkest secrets to light and will reveal your private motives. Then I will give to each one whatever praise is due.

Matthew 7:1-2; Leviticus 19:15; 1 Corinthians 4:5

What perspective should guide the way I see others?

Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying, “Friend, let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,” when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Luke 6:37, 41-42; Colossians 3:13

What can I pray when I feel tempted to judge others?

Everyone has sinned; we all fall short of your glorious standard. Yet you, in your grace, freely make us right in your sight. You did this to demonstrate your righteousness, for you yourself are fair and just, and you make sinners right in your sight when they believe in Jesus.

Romans 3:23-24, 26

Once you’ve formed an opinion about someone, it’s difficult to change it. That’s why God warns us to be careful about judging others. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal anyone you’ve been judging in your heart. Do you really know that person’s story? How would you want to be treated?