The first hints of spring are in the air. The Bradford pear trees are blooming, a beautiful preview of coming attractions.
Spring is also the season of Lent, a time of self-examination and reflection on the life, death and resurrection of Christ. During this time of preparation for Easter, I have been meditating on Luke 6:37 (New Living Translation), "Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven." Looking into the mirror of the Scriptures, I get a clearer and not so flattering image of myself. In these times of cancel culture, everyone has an opinion, whether informed or not, on everything and everyone. I'm not much different. I find I have opinions and judgments about people and situations I know little or nothing about. I'm quick to criticize and slow to give grace.
I remember a situation when I was unfairly judged by a dear friend. We were at church, talking while waiting for the worship service to start. The pastor stood up, looked at us, and asked for quiet. I signaled to my friend we should stop talking. She was offended and told me off at the end of the service. I was crushed. Fearing I had broken our friendship I wrote her a letter of apology to try to reconcile. A few days later, she called me to apologize. The pastor explained to her that he was speaking to some young people in the back but where we were sitting it appeared to me he was looking right at us. She didn't see him looking our way and didn't know he was talking to people in the back. To her it seemed I was just cutting her off. We were able to resolve the misunderstanding and are friends to this day.
It would seem having been misjudged and misunderstood myself, I would have more compassion for others and be less prone to make quick judgements. Sadly not.
Back in the '80s when computers were still a novelty — to me anyways — we got a new set of computers for our office, complete with internet access. Our office administrator asked to show me what was available to us on the internet. He showed me all kinds of wonderful cultural websites and information accessible with a few clicks of the mouse.
Not understanding that this was available to any computer with internet access, I assumed he was bragging about what was on his computer, not realizing I had the same thing. I reacted accordingly, scolding him for boasting about something he had. He patiently tried to explain but I would not be persuaded. Based on my limited understanding of computers, I judged and condemned my coworker without listening to him at all.
God tells us not to judge because we know so little about other people and their circumstances. For example, the woman caught in adultery was immediately judged to be worthy of death by the Pharisees. The Bible doesn't tell us anything about her, but Jesus knew all about her — how she came to be in that relationship, what drove her to it, and whether it was consensual. There are reasons people find themselves in certain situations. A reason is not an excuse, but it can tell us why and offer us perspective, helping us to extend grace and compassion.
We see that grace and compassion at work when Jesus, after dismissing the Pharisees in shame, talks with the woman alone. Assuring her of His forgiveness, He tells her to go and sin no more. Instead of judging her, He set her free to begin a new life.
It's important to note that I am using "judge" in the sense of forming an opinion, making an assumption or jumping to a conclusion. It was clear the woman had committed the sin of adultery and needed to be called to account in a discerning and compassionate way. Followers of Christ must use biblically based, Spirit-led discernment in dealing with people and situations of which we may not have full knowledge or complete understanding.
Many times I find myself exercising a prejudice against a thing or person based on an assumption or preconceived idea that, when examined, has no basis in fact. I just don't like it or them. As a result, I have missed out on some good things and people. A know-it-all attitude has sometimes made me unfairly critical of people.
I watch a lot of news programs. For some reason I am fixated on what the women anchors and reporters are wearing. Apparently, I think it's my job to decide what's appropriate dress for a woman reporter. I don't know what their bosses have told them or the details of their dress code. But, before I know it. I've made judgments about her character or lifestyle based on whether I approve of her outfit.
"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." (Luke 6:42 NLT) This Scripture has been especially helpful on my Lenten journey. Acts 10:42, tells us "... Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all — the living and the dead" (NLT). This passage makes it clear that Jesus is God's appointed Judge so I don't have to worry about things "above my pay grade." I should spend my time and energy examining myself and seeking to imitate Christ.
These verses are strong medicine. I'm grateful that God, in His love and mercy, is so gentle and patient with me as I seek to become more like Christ. The good news is Jesus has the cure and He will help me change and grow in these areas. My prayer for all of us, as we emerge from this Lent season, is that we commit to pursuing a deeper, closer walk with Jesus, more love for Him and for others.
Photo of man pointing by SplitShire/Pixabay. Photo of woman by Melanie Wasser/Unsplash.
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Michelle A. Melchor is team leader for Cru Inner City Atlanta. She has served the ministry for 46 years.
Michelle's article on judging is a vulnerable look at a topic many of us deal with on a daily basis. Know others who could benefit from her timely words? Share her blog post on Facebook or other social media platforms by using this link:
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