Judging the Judgmental

I have often said that the hardest people not to judge are those who are judgmental. Generally speaking, we have a tendency to judge people who don’t agree with us. So, if I think it’s wrong for someone to judge others, I just might be guilty of judging them because they are judgmental. It sounds like a play on words, but it’s true.

Think about a time when someone talked about you in a slanderous way. (Slander: a malicious, false, and defamatory statement or report.) I think that it’s important for us to forgive that individual, or we will be tempted to speak ill of them, hence, judging them. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31-32

The Bible clearly states that we should respond with patience and love: “Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3

There’s always a chance that the person speaking falsehoods against you won’t be interested in reconciliation. However, I think it’s worth it to attempt to restore the relationship, if possible. “Encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing. Live in peace with one another. Admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.” I Thessalonians 5:11; 14-15

If the proverbial olive branch is rejected, we can be assured that it’s still God’s will that we pray for the person in question (Matthew 5:44). Perhaps God will remind us that until a person takes their final breath, there’s always a chance for repentance. I know firsthand that God can use every seemingly hurtful situation to teach me the reality of walking in forgiveness. My prayer is that each of us will learn to leave the outcome of our conflict to the consummate judge:

“…Christ is your example, and you must follow in His steps. He never sinned nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when He was insulted, nor threaten revenge when He suffered. He left His case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.” I Peter 2:21-23