“Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?”
Romans 2:1-4
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”
Matthew 7:1-5
While I never want to admit it, part of my flesh craves the feeling of being superior. Whether it’s as innocent as wanting to win at a competitive game night with friends, to comparing my life and accomplishments to others as I scroll on social media…the longing to be special, to be first, to be the best, can subtly dominate the way I see myself and others. These passages firmly remind me that God doesn’t take that prideful posture lightly. Despite my internal attempts to compare, judge, or put others down, He kindly provides room for repentance in my life and in the lives of those around me. He offers forgiveness, grace, and mercy…all things I couldn’t live without, yet often conveniently avoid passing on to others.
Lord, please grow my posture of humility. May I treat others with the grace, truth, and love that You’ve freely and generously given to me despite my flaws and my flesh. May I walk humbly in You, Lord. Recognizing that without You, I myself deserve the harshest judgment of all.
