Losing My Religion—Judgementalism
(Matthew 7:1-5) “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.”
(Luke 6:37) “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
Judgmentalism—an inappropriate sense of moral superiority over another because of that person’s moral failures.
- Judging others kills relationships.
(1 Thessalonians 5:14) And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
- Judgmentalism is usually tied to legalism.
(Romans 14:4) 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.
- In a rush to purge our lives of judgementalism, we must not imagine there are not standards.
(John 7:24 ESV) “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”
- Judgementalism is rooted in pride and self-righteousness.
(Luke 18:9,14b) He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “…For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
MOVING PAST JUDGMENTALISM
- Look for the best in others.
(Romans 14:19) Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
- Recognize your own weaknesses and need of grace.
(James 4:12) There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?
- Stay focused on love as the goal of the Christian life.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-8) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.