Kingdom Character: Judge Not, Discern Well
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Good Morning!
Here is today’s devotion to start your day.
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Scripture: Matthew 7:1-2
“Don’t judge, so that you won’t be judged. For with whatever judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you.”
Reflection
Jesus’ warning against judgment is not merely about etiquette—it’s about the condition of the heart. Judgment breeds pride, division, and blindness to our own faults. When we make ourselves the measure of righteousness, we usurp God’s role and forget our own need for grace. Harsh judgment blinds us to mercy, feeding pride and alienating the very people God calls us to love.
Yet “judge not” does not mean “ignore truth.” Jesus still calls us to recognize false prophets and discern what is good. The difference lies in posture. Condemnation elevates self; discernment humbles self before God. True discernment begins with honest self-examination—seeing clearly the log in our own eye before attempting to remove another’s speck.
When the Spirit refines our vision, discernment becomes an act of compassion, not criticism. We learn to see others as God sees them—flawed yet beloved. In that humility, our words heal rather than wound, and our judgments give way to mercy, which always triumphs over pride.
Centering Prayer
Lord,
Free me from a spirit of judgment. When I am tempted to judge others, help me to remembers that you forgave me. Give me discernment shaped by humility and love. Teach me to see others as You see them. – Amen.
Practice for Today
When tempted to criticize someone, pause and pray: “Spirit, show me the log in my own eye.” Let compassion guide your response.
Journaling Prompt
What situations trigger my judgmental spirit?
How can the Spirit transform them into opportunities for humility?
Blessing for the Day
Let go of the tendency to judge harshly.
Cultivate discernment led by the Spirit.
See others through the Father’s mercy, love and compassion.
Live each day in the forgiveness you have received
and share the story of forgiveness with others.
Pray as You Go
Breathe in: Not to condemn…
Breathe out: … but to love