In verse one of this chapter, the Lord warns us to not be judgmental—we've probably all heard this admonition more than once. Isn't it interesting that a few verses later, we're warned to exercise wise judgment? “You will know them by their fruits,” Jesus tells us. What's the deal?
First, we humans tend to be judgmental, by leaping to conclusions, or simply demeaning others because our own feeble ego needs a boost. We make assumptions, we condemn, we point out others' faults—all ways of saying, “I'm not so bad, am I?” Obviously, this is sinful behavior.
Secondly, the Lord gave us eyes to see and ears to hear, a mind to analyze and understand—of course we should exercise wise judgment! Just, don't use these faculties in order to put down people—use God's gifts to understand people and their actions, and then to prayerfully make a loving response. That's the proper use of judgment.
Prayer: Lord, forgive me for being critical and judgmental. Let me use Your gifts of discernment for good and not for harm, that I may lift up others and point them in Your direction. Amen.
Exercise good judgment...unless yer a Brit, then you may use good "judgement"!
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