"Who are you to judge another's servant?
To his own master he stands or falls."
Romans 14:4
In a divorce recovery support group, each person was encouraged to share their feelings. A recently divorced woman said, "Divorce has been painful for me. It was so disappointing to be judged by those who I thought were my friends. When I really needed their support, instead they chose to judge me." After she spoke, each member in the small group confessed that they had experienced the same hurt from people judging them. Someone said, "Maybe they would understand if they went through a divorce, but I wouldn't wish my pain on my worst enemy."
The apostle Paul wrote to church members who were judging one another. He reminded them that each of us must answer to God for himself. God has not called us to judge the servant of another. Paul concludes: "Therefore let us not judge one another any more" (Romans 14:13). Our Lord was even stronger in warning us against judging others. He said, "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged" (Matthew 7:1-2).
Has someone judged you? The painful memory of being judged by another can linger with us for years. Don't hold on to resentment and bitterness. Confess your feelings to God in prayer. Ask God to forgive those who have judged you. Pray that God will bless them. Surrender your hurt feelings to the Lord. Ask Him to heal your painful memories.
God alone is our judge, yet He has something better for us. He wants us to experience His love, mercy, and forgiveness. Learn from those who have judged you. Don't judge others.
God alone is our judge, yet He has something better for us. He wants us to experience His love, mercy, and forgiveness. Learn from those who have judged you. Don't judge others.
Father, forgive those who have judged us.
