June 9: Teaching on Judging Others; The Self-Aware – Weekly Reading & Insight Post by Kim Feld
Weekly Reading: Matthew 7:1-5, Luke 6:37-42
Monday Reflection
Examine Yourself Before Judging Others: Jesus warns against judging others without first examining our own faults. He uses the illustration of removing the plank from our own eye before addressing the speck in our brother’s eye, emphasizing that self-awareness and humility are crucial.
Monday Verse
But if we would examine ourselves, we would not be judged by God in this way. 1 Corinthians 11:31 (NLT)
Monday Questions
Am I quick to criticize others without reflecting on my own shortcomings? How can I develop a habit of self-reflection and humility before addressing other’s faults?
Monday Insight Post
by Kim Feld
Why are we so prone to judge each other? I have read that from an evolutionary standpoint, we judge others as a means of “threat assessment.” Is this a good guy or a bad guy? Will I be harmed, or am I safe with this person? Put this question into a Google search and you will find several articles that point to feelings of inferiority or shame as the culprit. In this instance, we may harshly judge someone we feel inferior to in an attempt to try to prove that they don’t measure up somehow. Judging others can also be used to find your place socially. In other words, how do I stand up compared to that person? Judging seems to have many layers, no matter how you look at it.
The Bible does not tell us not to use discernment. Discernment is the ability to judge well, to make good decisions, to distinguish between right and wrong. We try to teach our kids to make wise decisions about the people in their inner circle because we know that we can be influenced by the behavior of others. Discernment is protective, whereas judgment, in the negative sense, can be used to attack others in a personal way. It is condemning, and Jesus is telling us to avoid it lest it be applied to us.
Think about the last judgmental thought you had about someone. Now, put yourself in that person’s position and see if you want the same standard applied. This exercise of self-reflection can be eye-opening. Time and time again, Jesus directs us to look deeper than what we see on the surface of ourselves and others. Maybe our friend is running late because they had an upsetting exchange with a loved one that morning, not because they don’t manage their time well. Maybe, just maybe, there’s more to the story than what we see.
I think most people want others to give them the benefit of the doubt. We want people to assume the best of us. But do we apply that same standard to others? If the honest answer is no, why not?
For followers of Jesus, He is our guide for interacting with others. He tells us to examine ourselves – look at our motives and how they impact our actions – AND allow Him to examine us as well. Psalm 139 is a great place to start this daily practice. I encourage you to read the full chapter, but here are a few verses to begin:
1O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
2 You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Psalm 139:1-2, 23-24 (NLT)
Kim Feld
Executive Director of Education and Outreach
New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org