Judge much?

“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

Learn to relate to others through My Love rather than yours…Let My Love envelop your outreach to other people.

–from “Jesus Calling”

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.

–James 3: 9-10

A “walk buddy” recently shared the following story:

Her sister “J” was at a sports event and the group had secured a VIP suite. As they reveled in the catered food, comfortable couches, and opulent, private facilities, a stir rippled through the crowd below them, attention focused not on the field, but on the box next door.

A member of “a certain family of reality-show celebrities” had just arrived, and was holding court at the railing.

“J” immediately launched into a passionate tirade (at considerable volume), ENUMERATING the neighbor and her clan’s MANY transgressions and their TOXIC contribution to the breakdown of society at large!!! Within minutes, the “target” (now red-faced) and her entourage decamped hastily, never to return.

My friend and I celebrated in righteous, raucous indignation, crowing about the “victory” over such a “scourge to humanity.”

Thinking back now, though, I am ashamed.

Who am I to judge?

How can I rejoice in someone being publicly humiliated?

What makes me better than them?

What would Jesus do?

I know…not an original question, but SERIOUSLY! His face would’ve lit up and He would’ve greeted that person openly. He would’ve confirmed her worth. He would’ve given her a high five…or a fist bump! He would’ve accepted her and welcomed her with love.

John 13:34-35–“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Not “judge one another.”

This point was brought home as I sat one morning, praying (this is painful to admit) for the Lord to move in this life and that life…the way I thought was needed…the way I judged was needed…He cut me off mid-sentence…

“Woah! *gasp* Shelbo! When did you become…ALL-KNOWING?! I TOTALLY missed that! Wow, what a relief…gee, I can just hand all this judgment stuff over to YOU!”

Ouch.

Sigh.

Uff da.

Okay, Lord. Lesson received.

Instead of sitting in judgment, I can use better judgment…in my thoughts, my words, my actions…

Choosing service, acceptance, compassion, and love.

It’s not just “What would Jesus do?”

It’s “How would Jesus do it?”