Don't Judge Others
Friday September 29, 2017
Judging others is a problem area for many of us in recovery and something that Jesus tells us needs to change if we are to live well.
And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye. (Matthew 7:3-5 NLT)
Judging others is often a reflection of how we have been assessed by others and by ourselves. Many of us lived in dysfunctional homes that were characterized by verbal and emotional abuse and we easily fall into that learned behaviour as we encounter those who act in ways that cause us pain and humiliation.
We've all made mistakes both in addiction and in recovery. We are all learning. Our recovery journey is unique and the same is true for everyone else. Character defects differ among us. We all have those defects that are easier or more difficult to overcome. No one is worse off or better off than us because their journey of recovery is different. God is willing to forgive us and remove our defects of character as we humbly acknowledge them before Him and ask for His help. The same is true for everyone else.
Someone has wisely said: "People who criticize others are unaware of how much pain they themselves are experiencing. Truly happy people don't have the need to bring others down." Instead of judging and condemning others, let’s offer encouraging words and loving support to fellow strugglers on the journey.
Continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. (1 Peter 4:8, Galatians 6:3 NLT)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank you for loving me and offering me forgiveness, rather than judging me. Help me to never look down on somebody unless I’m helping them up. Amen
©2017 Partners in Hope
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