Judging Others ( From Matthew 7)

1"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

3"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. [ In other words, how can you correct others when you aren't acting in a correct manner].

6"Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces. [When I read this verse I always think about people who give their hearts and bodies to people who don't deserve them. Someone on another blog mentioned that what's worse than no good or underachieving people are the people who date underachievers.

This is one of my favorite verses. It keeps me grounded, and reminds me of the things I need to work on. It is true, that once you become saved [for real] that you are brand new [transformed], and many of the negative things that you used to understand, just don't make sense to you. For example, I don't understand anymore how people can fight over "territory" or have a bad attitude everyday. I don't understand how people can stay in a relationship with someone who brings them down. I don't understand how people can be married and basically be roommates. I don't even understand the things I used to do!! However, I have to be careful not to call someone out on their weaknesses, when I do the same things. While the Word may not agree with a person's life style, I can not say that God doesn't love that person. We still need to use discernment. I wouldn't want you to let someone waving a gun in the air in your home, because you didn't want to judge them as someone who had bad intentions.

We hear people say things like...........

"She's loose..., but I can count all the guys I've been with on one hand, and I'm only sleeping with my boyfriend or so and so right now."
[What's the difference? How can one person think she is better than the other]

"How can you spend the night at X's house? I mean me and my boo spend the night every night, but we just lay in the bed and watch TV."

"B cheated on his girlfriend with C., but although I slept with C, I didn't cheat, because it wasn't emotional." [Is he serious]

"How can she date X. He is no good. I know my man isn't all that, but he makes sure that I am number one. He may have a few girls on the side, but I'm wifey."
[I still know grown women who talk like this].

"I don't trust so and so or this organization, because they just want my money." [However this person feels like this because he or she uses people for their money].

Clergy and religious people who shun others for the same things they are doing. [The divorce rate in the church and world are similar].

Parents who punish their children for cursing or fighting, but they can't stop doing those things.

Politicians making sure poor [and black] men are sentenced for crack, while they snort cocaine.

Retailers who arrest shoplifters, while managers at the top of the retail industry are embezzling.

"How can so and so eat like that... I take good care of my body." [But this person smokes and drinks too much]

The list goes on and on.

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

This is a Word for me!

Today, I declare that I love those who judge me. I love them even though I do not know them. Today I declare that I will not judge others. I know that I can't correct others when I am doing the very thing I accuse them of doing. I'm going to first take all of the planks out of my eyes, and so I can help my brothers and sisters remove the specs from their eyes. Girls, help me on this one.... I am going to stop referring to some of the guys who approach me with weak game [the bow down to me because I have multiple degrees, no children, and never been to jail type of guys] as losers, lame, corny, and wack. I will just say we are not compatible instead of using harsh adjectives. Also, I know there are things that others would perceive as lame about me. I want people to be confident, so I will always be confident. I want people to be classy and dignified, so I will do everything with class and dignity (well just about everything, sometimes you have to let it go and get down and dirty), I want people to be leaders, so I will be a leader. I want others to know when to submit, so I will submit. I don't want anyone around me to worry, so I will not worry. Yes, there will be no more panic attacks (i.e., two weekends ago when I was out of town and my checking account was funny). Sorry about that gals and thanks for calming me down =).

I've told you all the type of guys I will date and how I will date, so you will not see me with someone who doesn't treat me well, no matter how fine he is. [On a side note. I have to stop getting giddy when I see a nice looking man. I don't know..... a handsome man in a power suit and cufflinks just brings out the little girl in me. And don't let him be nice and love the Lord for real.... I might even blush (I don't approach men, just watch)].

I can speak on the blessings of following the Word, because I fight to live it. I will keep praising and worshiping God in BOTH in a church and at home. I will keep tithing, so you can see the blessing in tithing. I will be honest about my weaknesses, and confess to you when I fail. I just want you to experience the love I have for Christ. I don't want to be the person who blocks you from wanting to know Him. If I don't do something, it's because I know in my heart it's not God's plan for my life. I will keep speaking life. I want you to love, so I will love. I love you!!!