Happy Sabbath, friends! I am sure we have all been guilty of judging others at some point in our lives. Unfortunately, it is human nature – or should I say, our flesh – that leads us to judge. But let’s look at this through the Lord’s lens. He alone is the Judge because He alone is perfect and without sin. We are not perfect, so it would not be right – nor Christ-like – to judge those around us.

“There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?”
— James 4:12 (NIV)

“You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written: ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’ So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.”
— Romans 14:10–12 (NIV)

“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.”
— Matthew 7:1–2 (NIV)

“You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.”
— Romans 2:1 (NIV)

Scripture repeatedly reminds us that it is wrong to condemn others. We are all on our own walk with Christ. God does not force His love upon us or compel us to act a certain way – because God is love, and love is never forceful.

It is one thing to lovingly remind our brothers and sisters in Christ of what the Word of God teaches, but it is entirely unbiblical to condemn someone else. Our God views sin very differently than we do – what may appear to be a “small sin” in our eyes could be a serious offense in His. Remember: anything that separates us from God is sin.

“For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it… Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
— James 2:10–13 (NIV)

It’s often easier to judge others when we haven’t committed the particular sin they have. Yet according to James 2, if you break one part of the law, you are guilty of all. So we must shift our mindset – instead of saying, “They committed adultery,” remember, “But just the other day, I used the Lord’s name in vain.” In both cases, we have sinned.

Once we grasp this truth, judgment begins to leave our hearts. We realize we have no right to condemn someone else’s walk with Christ when our own lives are far from perfect – and perfection belongs to God alone.

“Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins.”
— Ecclesiastes 7:20 (NIV)

“He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.”
— Deuteronomy 32:4 (NIV)

There’s a powerful story in Scripture about a woman caught in adultery. The crowd was ready to stone her, but Jesus – full of mercy and grace – responded differently.

“Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”
— John 8:7 (NIV)

When her accusers walked away, Jesus said to her:

“Neither do I condemn you… Go now and leave your life of sin.”
— John 8:11 (NIV)

The Lord – the only One with the right to judge – chose instead to forgive. What a beautiful example of mercy! This story reminds us how we should respond to others: not with condemnation, but with compassion and love.

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”
— 1 Peter 2:21 (NIV)

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
— Ephesians 5:1–2 (NIV)

So, friends, may we remember that Jesus is our example – full of mercy, patience, and grace. We have no right to cast stones when we ourselves are in daily need of forgiveness.

I pray for anyone who may be harboring feelings of judgment toward another – that God would soften your heart and remind you of His mercy. We may think someone deserves condemnation, but if we’re honest, the Lord could say the same of us. Yet He does not condemn us – instead, He showers us with His abundant love, mercy, and grace.

We are not deserving of His love, yet He gives it freely. So even though it’s human nature to judge, I pray that we surrender our hearts to God – that He may remove every fleshly desire and mold us into the person He has called us to be: His precious child.

Amen.