By Glen Bowman
When I was in middle school, I used to feel excluded by lots of people. Other kids didn’t seem to be as nice as they were in elementary school, and I felt unfairly judged and mistreated. Of course, this feeling of being judged and excluded is probably familiar to all of us. Sadly, some people never grow out of being judgmental, rude, and unkind. We can’t change them, but we can put out the fire of judgment in our own minds!
To do this, remember that “a fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion” (Proverbs 18:2). Therefore, we can remind ourselves when people act judgmentally towards us, God classifies them in a negative light. So why should we care so much about what they think if God doesn’t esteem their actions highly?
Next, we must remember that we’re in control of our emotions (mostly). God emphasizes how to apply this when reacting to judgment (and other things) by stating: “be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger rests in the lap of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:9). He gives this warning in other places, such as James 1:19-20. It’s not a sin to become angry, but it can lead to sin and we’re not to hold on to that anger (Ephesians 4:26).
In addition, if we judge people because we think that they’re judging us, then we might be guilty of the same mistake! Romans 2:1 explains this by warning that “you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.” While we may believe that our judgments are correct and theirs are wrong, let’s not fall into the same manner of judging and viewing others negatively that we despise ourselves!
It should humble us and convict us knowing that if we refrain from this type of behavior, God will show mercy to us. Luke 6:37 says, “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Instead of practicing improper judgment and condemnation, we should forgive so that God will forgive us! Is that always easy? It’s not for me, but I’ve found that I can consciously change my mindset, especially when I focus on loving and praying for my “enemies” (who may become friends by the grace of God).
Ultimately, we should remember that God’s opinion is the only one that matters in the end. “We can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’”(Hebrews 13:6). Obviously, people could kill us, but that’s the most that they can do (Luke 12:4). God controls our life on earth and our eternal destiny (Luke 12:5). While we don’t like to be judged or have our feelings hurt, that’s not really that bad from a removed perspective. We can (and should) get over it quickly and move on. When we let it continue to bother us, we’re only hurting ourselves! Why not value God’s opinion most, who’s more merciful and loving than people?
When we fall into categorizing ourselves as more righteous than everyone else, this often comes from pride. However, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:6b-7). The devil wants us to feel judged and to judge them back. Resist the devil! “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).
