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Jesus said to his disciples: “Stop judging, that you may not be
judged. For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure
with which you measure will be measured out to you. Why do you
notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the
wooden beam in your own eye?” Matthew 7:1–3
Sadly, this tendency is far more common than most of us would like
to admit. We live in a world in which it is very common to condemn,
criticize and judge. This growing secular tendency, in turn,
powerfully influences our thinking and actions. Why is it so easy
to judge others?
Why is it so easy to see the failures of others, dwell on their
sin, point out their weaknesses and speak of their faults to
others? Perhaps part of the reason is that many people are not at
peace within their own souls. In an unfortunate way, condemning
another brings with it a certain twisted satisfaction. But it’s a
“satisfaction” that will never satisfy. The desire to condemn,
criticize and judge will only grow all the stronger the more these
actions are committed. If you struggle with these sins, then listen
to the words of Jesus. “Stop judging…”
Oftentimes the person who judges others does not even realize they
are judging. This is why our Lord poses the question, “Why do you
notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the
wooden beam in your own eye?” If that stings even a little bit,
then know that our Lord asks that question of you. And He asks it
with deep love for you, desiring that you will hear Him,
understand, and respond.
The truth is that being judgmental of others causes far more harm
to the one who judges than to the one who is judged. Certainly
being judged is not pleasant. But the act of being judged by others
is not a sin. However, the act of judging others is a sin. And it
can be a grave sin. This sin leaves the one who judges with an
empty and angry heart. Love is lost in the soul who judges.
If these words seem unpleasant, that’s because they are. But
sometimes we need to face the unpleasant truth in order to change.
The Cross was unpleasant, but it was also the greatest act of love
ever known. Facing our sin of judgmentalness is unpleasant, but
doing so is the only way to be free. Honesty with ourselves is an
act of love given to God, to ourselves and to those whom we need to
stop judging.
Reflect, today, upon these challenging words from Jesus. Read the
Scripture passage above a few times and then prayerfully ponder it.
Use it as an examination of your own conscience. Try to be honest,
humble and attentive to any ways that Jesus speaks this to you.
Some will find that they have grave tendencies toward
judgmentalness. Others will see less serious ways. But everyone who
lacks complete perfection will find some ways in which they need to
be more compassionate, merciful, forgiving and understanding of
others. Be open to these truths and allow our Lord to lift the
heavy burden of this sin from your own life.
My merciful Lord, You and You alone are the true Judge. Only You
judge with mercy and justice. Give me the grace I need to abandon
my own self-righteous judgmentalness so that I will be free to love
You and to love others with my whole heart. Free me from the burden
of these sins, dear Lord, so that I can more easily see Your
goodness in others and rejoice in Your presence in their lives.
Jesus, I trust in You.
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