Wow! What an admonition this scripture is for us as Christians. It is so tempting to be judgmental toward others; especially when we do not understand their lives. We must be very careful not to be legalistic in our response to other people.
When I was a young lady there was an older woman in our church who was diabetic and had a great deal of difficulty getting around. She wore old-fashioned tennis shoes and propped her feet up on the pew to keep them elevated. I recall thinking how ugly those shoes were and watching her get around slowly. Guess what? Now I am old, I have diabetes and wear ugly shoes. It took awhile Lord, but I understand completely. What I did not understand with compassion then is that regardless of her circumstance “she was there!” She served the Lord all the days of her life. I regard her ugly tennis shoes as a “badge of honor” now and I am thankful for her example.
Though it is wrong to be judgmental in such circumstances as I have described here; there is a time to have discernment and to judge with righteous judgment. (You might stop here to read John 7:24) Hypocritical and self-righteous judgment is forbidden; but remember to be discerning and exercise proper judgment when necessary (Matthew 7:16)
The Indians had a marvelous proverb that went something like this: “never judge a man until you have walked a mile in his moccasins.”
“Father, help me listen to your Holy Spirit when it comes to being judgmental. If it is improper judgment , I pray He will nudge me and cause me to stop. If it is proper judgment, I pray He will give me boldness; but let me exercise it with love and courage. Amen”
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