Unauthorized Judgment vs. Unconditional Love

“There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy.

Who are you to judge another?” (James 4:12, NKJ)

Have you ever found yourself in a position of rendering judgment against a person, place, or thing based on mere appearance and lack of your own understanding? I know I have dispensed such a verdict on more than one occasion. Webster defines “judgment” as an opinion or decision given after judging. We have all heard the cliché “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” I would like to add to that old adage and say, “Don’t judge a book by its cover until you have read the entire contents.”

Often times we pass judgment reliant on our natural instincts rather than supernatural intuitiveness. It seems as though we have lost our keen sense of ability to rationalize, as well as our willingness to learn more about the subject in question prior to forming an opinion. Through my recent observations and experiences, administering unauthorized judgment can create a false sense of empowerment and unsecured fulfillment.

In addition, our inability to receive judgment is extremely detrimental and not conducive to a productive development process. Judgment usually precedes offense and therefore, we view judgment as criticism with a need to become defensive. As a result, we innately dismiss any opportunity to allow our psyche to conceive what may very well be constructive feedback conveyed with poor choice of words. If we condition ourselves to become proactive in lieu of reactive, the thorny paths of growth will inevitably appear more tolerable to travel.

I am reminded of Jesus on the cross between two thieves. He is a perfect example of how to love and not judge. Christ displayed unconditional love especially toward individuals who not only judged Him constantly, but who also misjudged Him vastly. Yet and still, He continues to love us unconditionally while we continue to judge one another immensely. His request to the Father, while giving His life, was for those who had judged Him to be forgiven. We all would be so much better off if we learned these very viable characteristics of Christ which are comprised of love without judgment. Let us seek to add Christ-like love to our spiritual disciplines during this Lenten season.

Prayer: Precious Savior, thank you for coming to earth to save us that we might be free from sin. Help us not to judge one another, but rather exalt and uplift our sisters and brothers as we move along Your path of righteousness. Please continue to purify, teach, and strengthen us as we assist in building Your Kingdom here on earth. We will always remember to give You honor and glory. In the name of Your Son, Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.

 

 

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