Matthew 7:1-2 NLT

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.”

Most people make snap judgments about people they meet and about situations they encounter. It’s a defense mechanism we have gained in life that comes from past hurts.

When we enter a room full of people we begin to read the room to make a determination how we will fit in. We judge conversations and sometimes the way people look and the way they dress. We don’t like to think we judge, but we do, to protect ourselves.

So, the second part of Jesus’s statement comes to light; “The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.” When we think about this statement and start living by this statement, it should soften our standard of judgement. Further down in Matthew 7, we hear Jesus clarify this standard; “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.”
(Matthew 7:12a NLT) Look at others like you want them to look at you!

Prayer:
Father, I’m sorry for the way the world has made me guarded, and I make snap judgments. Help me to look at others, the way I want them to look at me.