Bible warning against judging others
“I was trapped”… “No one was willing to help me”… “I was silenced”…
After reading different news articles and watching video clips, I realized that two hours had sped by. There was a ball clogged in my throat. My emotions after being thrown from joy to cold many times were withdrawn. The Oprah Interview of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and the plethora of commentaries, articles, and videos of varying opinions on both spectrums were disheartening. But even weightier on my heart was the reality that I too fall into the trap of ‘having a say’ and voicing my thoughts on someone else’s life.
As I stood on the fence and looked within, I realized the screen was becoming blurry. For a person who is rarely emotional, this was bringing me to tears. I couldn’t stop thinking about the courage it takes to speak up, knowing that you will be judged, slandered, hurt and isolated.
My own sin
I, like many, judge quickly and emotionally. Passionate about injustice, I am quick to judge and call for justice. But when judged, I become uncomfortable, and many times have a desire for the earth to swallow me up and take me away. Hence why when I feel my emotions stirring strongly about a situation, it is a trigger that I need to step back and call out to God.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen… 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:29, 31-32
Warning from God on judging others
We all judge in some form or other. But are we judging according to God’s standards? Are we seeking God’s discernment when we open our mouth? Matthew 7:1-6 are verses specifically targeted in the Bible warning against judging others:
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. 6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
God is telling us not even to waste our time on some persons in verse 6. He warns us in vs 1-5 that before we even type that social media comment or post before we open our mouth, we need to reflect on ourselves first. Who are we to judge others? Sadly it is easy to write a comment about someone on social media because they don’t know us; we are an unknown and want to give our voice, but is it what God wants? Are we doing it in love?
Interestingly, the verses right after this is a crowd favourite – ask, and you will receive! I wonder why God wrote them in that order. Maybe He is reminding us that our actions, whether done quietly or very loud, that He is aware of it all.
Prayer for those being judged
But before I wrap up today, I want to focus on the silenced. I want to pray for those that are quietly in pain, feeling trapped with no idea how to release the chains binding them. Persons that are continually being targeted, slandered and judged unfairly. For those that feel that death is the best option. Join me in praying for those that are silenced:
Heavenly Father, supreme ruler and King. Only to You we call and seek. Your power knows no boundaries. When faced against giants, there is none stronger and bigger than You. We pray for those that are crying, trapped, silenced and alone. Those that are afraid to speak out because the giants and institutions are like snakes in the grass just waiting to bite and destroy. Step on their heads, Lord and let Your presence be known. Who is mightier than You? No one! Lord, we know that you alone are the righteous judge. Judgement will come against all of those that are evil. Protect and cover Your children with the blood of Your banner. Surround them with a hedge thicker than a cloud that no one can penetrate and see them. Reassure them of your love and protection, give them the courage to stand up in Your mighty name against their giants. Abba Father, fill us with Your Holy Spirit and teach us discernment. Bind our hands and clamp our mouth shut when we eagerly want to judge or criticize others. May we continually remember that you will also judge us in the same way that we judge others. Lord, as we battle racism and discrimination, may we remember that not only were we all made in Your image but also Your amazing and everlasting love for every single one of us. I pray, Lord, that they will be rooted and established in Your love. That they may be filled with your power, and their eyes opened to how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses all knowledge and understanding. Teach us, Lord, how to love each other and ourselves like You and live it daily. Train us to judge according to Your Word and not in our own will. In Jesus’ name. Amen
May God’s grace, mercy and peace be with you.