Judgements

These principles are excerpted from Dr. James B. Richards’ book, HOW TO STOP THE PAIN. I highly recommend it to you. In this time of so much division, hatred, and vitriol, these principles speak volumes to the real problems facing our society. If we are to allow Jesus to live in us, through us, for us, and as us, then we must stop judging one another. I hope Dr. Richard’s thoughts bless you today.

The most important thing in life is to decide what is most important.

For the person in pain, the past equals the future.

Once free from pain, the world looks different, and we make new decisions and establish an entirely new basis for life.

Much of the pain we experience originates from judgments we have made.

Life is a garden that grows the seeds I plant.

We must be careful about the kind of seed we plant.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives us one of the most important critical factors for emotional health and happiness.

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)

Many people have misinterpreted this passage thinking that if I judge others, God will judge me. WRONG!

God won’t judge me. The people I judge will judge me.

God’s law of sowing and reaping means that we always get back more than we give.

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.  (Luke 6:36‑38 NIV)

Whatever we give, people will give back in greater measure.

So, what does it mean to JUDGE?

Identifying what someone did and how it affected me is not a judgment. That is an OBSERVATION.

We make a judgment when we assume to know WHY a person did what they did… when we assume the MOTIVE for their actions and attitude.

Only God has the right to judge. Only He knows why people do what they do.

In many cases, we don’t even know why we do what we do.

The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9 NIV)

God is the only one who can truly know the heart.

When we assume to know WHY, our reactions are not based on reality. They are based on JUDGMENT.

That judgment causes confusion, pain and loss.

The moment you attempt to determine WHY another is doing what he/she is doing, you have given it SIGNIFICANCE.

Keep in mind that nothing has the power to hurt you until you attach SIGNIFICANCE to it.

The degree of pain or insult you experience from the actions of others is based solely on the judgment you pass.

Pain is inevitable. Misery is optional.

We make judgments all the time and think we are walking in wisdom.

We think that our judgments will protect us from future pain, but they won’t.

Instead, we create a world of conflict and suffering through the very judgments we think will protect us.

Nothing that happens outside of you has the power to hurt you UNTIL YOU JUDGE IT.

Only when you judge something does it have SIGNIFICANCE in your life.

NOTE: When people do something and you judge WHY they did it, you decide what their MOTIVE was.

Once you determine (judge) the motive, you give the event significance, or power.

Jesus said to His disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!” (Luke 17:1 NKJV).

Following Jesus does not mean that we won’t have problems, or that problems only come to those who deserve it.

Offense comes to everyone… including Jesus Who was absolutely perfect.

So don’t waste your time trying to figure out WHY the offense came.

Doing that puts you right back into a judgment situation.

I know of people who no longer walk with God because they judged that God caused, or allowed certain events to happen.

As a result of their judgment, they began to feel rejected.

Their false feelings confirmed their perception of God’s “rejection” and so validated their false judgment.

In the end, they grew angry with God and rejected Him.

Jesus never promised we would be free from offenses, but He does promise that if we will trust Him and build our lives on His Word, we will live above the control and devastation of our circumstances.

Luke 17:3 says, “Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee…”

Grace and peace to you all today. Remember, Jesus IS our peace. God bless you… everyone.

Blessings,

Kenny