An interesting point that Dr. Carl taught about this past Sunday was to “remember the risk of harming another’s faith.” When we judge others, we risk alienating and creating barriers to their faith. When we are operating in Christ’s love, acceptance, humility and direction, we can be used powerfully in the lives of others. When correction comes with love, acceptance comes with ease. When we act with judgment, many problems arise. Instead of Godly correction we get condemnation, instead of acceptance we get division.
I would say that one of the things I have struggled with the most in my faith journey is judgment. When I find myself judging others, it often stems from my pride and, more often than not, my insecurity. When I judge others it not only causes harm to those I am judging, but also to myself. When I am not choosing to listen to the Holy Spirit, my pride and insecurity are separating me from Christ in that moment. It all causes a downward spiraling circle, filling me with more judgment and dissension and moving me further from peace.
But when I remove myself from the judgement seat, God goes back to his rightful place as the judge. What stops my downward cycle is confessing my own sin of pride and judgement, choosing empathy and grace, encouraging instead of condemning, and seek forgiveness for myself first. Then I can allow Christ to guide me back to peace.