James 4:11-12
[11] Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. [12] There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?
Head: Why should we not judge people?
Heart: Is there someone you are judging right now because of what they did or said to you?
Hands: How can we identify and defend against wrong and hurt in this world, while maintaining a pure heart? (Remember verses 4-10... humble yourself before God)
Has anyone done something to upset you, that you thought bad things about them? Is this wrong in God's eyes? It depends.
Now, first off, if we're thinking bad thought of them and even judging them because they annoy us, it may be our own issue in our own hearts, rather than what they are doing/saying. So let's also guard our hearts against unjust treatment of others just because their words and actions don't mesh well with our personalities.
But when you see a genuine wrong doing being done by someone, what should our response be? The Bible makes it clear that even when identifying wrong and acting to defend against it, we must not judge. The simple reason is that God is the only judge, not us. So we must control the thoughts in our hearts towards those individuals that we do not judge them.
So what does it mean to judge someone? It means to say that the person is a bad person. It is to say that they don't deserve forgiveness. It can even lead us to think that we are morally better than they are.
This line of thinking not only dishonors God and His Kingdom, but it is harmful to our own hearts.
So when we are bothered by someone, lift it up to the Lord, that He may give you clarity of mind and purity of heart so that you can deal with your emotions first and then address issues caused by others.
Remember, Jesus has the right to judge you and me, as we still sin. But instead of condemning us, He sacrificed for us to save us. He wants us to join with Him in this redeeming work.
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Devotional Guide:
1) Pray for understanding in your mind, for trust in your heart, and for powerful obedience in your daily living.
2) Read the passage and mark anything that blesses you, challenges you, or raises a question.
3) Reflect on the passage. What's God saying about Himself? What's God saying about you?
4) Pray in response to what God puts on your heart through the Word.