For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:2 (NIV)
My friend Maria was traveling in South America in a city known for its high crime rate. She had a business appointment and wanted to reach her destination as soon as possible. She noticed that the cab driver had been traveling a circuitous route from the time he picked her up. Having lived a number of years in New York where cabbies would often drive out of their way in order to hike rates, Maria became rather annoyed but didn’t say anything. She later learned that kidnappings occurred whenever someone stopped for a red light, and her driver had been turning a different direction any time he saw the red lights—to keep her safe.
How often do we make judgments of people based on our personal experiences or evaluation of their character? Jesus told us that we are not to judge (Matt. 7:1), and if we do, we’ll be judged by the same measure. Do we look at others with mercy and compassion, making allowances for background or circumstances?
What about the rule of love? Love doesn’t dishonor others; it doesn’t delight in evil; it protects and hopes; and it never fails (I Cor. 13). The Golden Rule that we like to have applied to ourselves should remind us that “what goes ‘round comes ‘round.” Let us love, not judge. Besides, Oswald Chambers says there’s always one more thing you don’t know about that other person…
Father, thank you for the grace that covers us. If you should mark iniquities, who would stand? We’ve all fallen short of your righteousness and constantly need your mercy. Help us, in turn to be merciful. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.
agodforeveryday 