John 7:24 ESV

Jesus said to the Pharisees and Scribes; “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”

We often jump on the band wagon that we should not judge at all, but Jesus is not saying that in this passage. We are to judge between good and evil, but our judgment has to be based on righteous judgment or right judgment. In judging between good and evil, we are not to pronounce the punishment with the judgment. We often judge someone and then dismiss them or deem them unworthy to be around. Did we forget that Jesus was a friend of sinners, to save them, and to restore them.

Yes, we “do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.” (Psalms 1:1) We do want to display and relay the truth to them without them feeling like we are judging them. Jesus was able to do that so should we.

Basically, Jesus was telling the religious leaders, “If you are going to judge my actions, then do so with righteous judgment. Base what I am saying and doing according to God’s standards, not your own fault-finding standards. Look at things the way God does without human error getting involved.”

Today, look at people that we usually dismiss and try ro know what is going on inside of their lives, instead of judging by our own standards that they are not worthy. Try to see the potential in them.

Prayer:

Lord, you told Samuel, “…For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7b) Teach us to look inside hearts and lives and reach out to our brothers and sisters in love and mercy. Don’t let us be judgmental of people because of the way they act or how they look. Teach us to only judge by Your standards. Thank You that You have shown mercy to us as well, Amen!