June 5, 2023

Taylor Christensen
“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. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye."
Matthew 7:1-5
“Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand."
Romans 14:4

I think deep down God created all of us with a longing to be special. A longing to be loved, and a longing to belong. Yet whether through our upbringing as a child, the insecurities of our flesh, or even the competitive landscape of the world, I think we can easily convince ourselves there can only be one winner in God’s eyes. Only be one person who God sees and loves. Instead of living in a mentality of abundance, I find myself comparing and competing with others, judging who’s worthy to win first place to gain God’s love.

The reality is that it’s neither my actions nor how I’m measuring up to those around me that determines God’s love for me. His love overflows at a scale I can’t even begin to comprehend. He unconditionally lavishes His love regardless of my past, present, and future. I’m seen and loved no matter what. When I live in that truth, the pressure is off to judge. I’ve got enough to work on as it is.

Lord, please help me live and love securely in the way You see me. May I be slow to judge others, giving that job over to You. Instead, may I be grateful for the mercy You freely give to me every morning.