Don’t Judge Others

Sunday June 11, 2023

Judging others is a problem area for many of us and something that Jesus tells us needs to change if we are to live well in recovery and in life.

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)

How we judge others is often a reflection of how we have been judged by others and even by ourselves. Many of us lived in dysfunctional homes that typically used verbal and emotional abuse to force others into subjection. We easily fell into that learned behaviour when we came face-to-face with those whose actions caused 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 some defects that are easier to overcome and others that are more difficult. No one is worse off or better off than us. Their journey of recovery is just 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. This is true for each of us.

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 for my sins. When I am tempted to judge or condemn others, please help me to stop and think and choose to be kind. Help me never to look down on another person unless I am helping them up. Amen

Don’t Judge Others

Audio for Don’t Judge Others

Recent Meditations

OLD GROWTH GOODNESS

ANGER

DISCOVERING TRUTH

AFFIRMED AND ACCOMPANIED BY A LOVING GOD

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

Giving Hope