DAY 15 of #100daysofJesus - Judge Not

 

DAY 15 of #100daysofJesus

Jesus famously taught, "Judge not, that ye be not judged."

In this declaration he was referring to people not circumstances. We should always judge our surroundings to inform our choices, but it is not our place to pass judgement on people.

Jesus also taught, "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment."

As humans we are unable to see clearly. We have biases and mindsets that have been developed over our years of unique experiences. Our lack of omniscience prevents us from ever truly knowing someone else's circumstances. Each person has their own unique upbringing, DNA, and life experiences that make them who they are. To fairly judge we would have to perfectly understand all of that - it's just not possible for us!

Thomas S Monson shared his thoughts on this topic in General Conference back in 2010:

"None of us is perfect. I know of no one who would profess to be so. And yet for some reason, despite our own imperfections, we have a tendency to point out those of others. We make judgments concerning their actions or inactions.

"There is really no way we can know the heart, the intentions, or the circumstance of someone who might say or do something we find reason to criticize. Thus the commandment: 'Judge not.'"

Lest you think that, ironically, I am judging anyone with this post today, let me admit that today's message was written for me. Jesus' words were for me as much as anyone. I recognize the tremendous beam in my own eye, and hope that I can better avoid nitpicking the motes in the eyes of others.

I strongly believe that we are here to love and help one another, not to judge each other. The hate, divisiveness, and prejudice so common today comes from one source, Satan, who laughs as he watches us tear one another apart. The solution has always been the same: love.

I pray that we can love a little more and judge a little less. We will all be happier for it.

(Today's references: Matthew 7:1-5, John 7:24, Charity Never Faileth by Thomas S Monson in Oct 2010)