“Do not judge, so that you may not be judged.” -Matthew 7:1
The very act of judgment is tied up with the notion of justice. What is justice? Justice, according to Jesus, is something like the quality of living together in right relationship with God and with one another - two great commandments. So, when Jesus tells us not to judge others, and to take the log out of our own eye before we discuss the speck in our neighbour’s eye, he is teaching what it means to live relationships of true justice.
As such, our judgement of others must be tempered by our desire for justice if healthy relationships are to be maintained. Standing aloof, detached from relationships while criticizing others is to be negligent in both self-examination and our own need for healthy relationships.
As a spiritual exercise, try this today. Consider a person you find very difficult to be around. What are the characteristics of that person that you find so annoying? When you have completed that list, ask God to forgive those same faults in yourself.
You know that God will be compassionate, gentle, kind and just with you in dealing with your faults. How are you with those same faults in others?
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