Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.
People who feel insecure often judge and criticize others in order to feel better about themselves. In Matthew 7:1–2, Jesus warns us against judging others: Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you (NIV).
The temptation to judge others is common. It’s easier to find things to criticize about other people than things to affirm them. Some people immediately spot the one negative thing about a situation, no matter how many positive aspects there are. This is typical of human nature but not in agreement with God’s Word. So, when we are tempted to judge, we need to resist the devil and ask the Holy Spirit to help us stand against temptation and obey the Word.
In addition to what we read about judgment in today’s scripture and in Matthew 7:1–2, the apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 14:10–13 that all of us will one day stand before God’s judgment seat: Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister (Romans 14:13, NIV).
Instead of judging other people, let’s choose not to do anything that might cause them to stumble or pose a problem for them as they go through life. Let’s help them or teach them by being a good example instead of criticizing them.
Prayer of the Day: Father, help me see the good in others instead of focusing on their faults. Teach me to encourage people with my words and show them Your love through my actions. In Jesus' name, amen.
