Judgment and Response

Scripture: The day of the Lord is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head. Obadiah 1:15

Observation: Judgment begs judgment, and hurt begs hurt. However, it is God who returns that judgment and hurt upon others.

Application: There are three key truths I must remember in this:

1) I must not judge others. I do this often ... WAY too often, and it is a terrible act by me. I must have patience, compassion, mercy and love for others, without judgment, anger, or contempt. I do not know other's situations, so I must not judge.

2) I must ignore the judgment of others. I have been harmed personally and professionally (especially) by the judgment of others, and it has made me bitter and angry. During this times, the only person being harmed by my bitterness was myself. When wrongly judged, I need to turn away and turn to God.

3) In all cases, I can rely on God to act according to his love and justice. This is a double-edged sword. If I judge others, I may receive God's wrath. If I am wrongly judged, I can trust that God will deal with the situation.

Prayer: Lord, please forgive me for the times I judge others. My self-pride makes me quick to judge others - I mock them while ignoring the plank in my own eye. I do ask your forgiveness in the name of Jesus for my prideful attitude and judgment of others. Please help me turn away from that attitude, and set my feet on a path of compassion toward others. Amen.