Matthew 7:1-5 – Judging others

We often hear the admonition, “Judge not, lest ye be judged.”

In a world that values personal freedom, personal choice and the rights of the individual above all else, these words affirm a self-serving attitude. But the passage in Matthew does not end there.

Jesus goes on to say that we shall be judged by the same measure with which we judge, implying that we should judge others as we ourselves would wished to be judged, presumably with compassion, mercy and love.

Constant criticism leads to discouragement, and even a sense of defeat. How easy it is to act self-righteously and slip into the trap of idle gossip, pointing out the short-comings of others or tearing down rather than building up one another.

The next time, before we speak about someone or something, THINK. Is it True, is it Helpful, is it Inspiring, is it Necessary, is it Kind?

This year, let us resolve to live by the wisdom of the Word, rather than the wisdom of the world.

The Reverend Deacon Sister Mary Catharine Robertson 
St. Paul’s (Glanford) Mount Hope.