Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.     Matthew 7:1 NKJV

I realized just the other day that I have a problem with judging others. I must admit I’m better about it than I used to be. When I worked in law enforcement I tended to stereotype others based on what we have seen with people that do the same things. In cases of drug users, they often exhibit the same behaviors. In cases of domestic violence, the abuser and the victim tend to follow certain patterns. I’m not making excuses, I’m just commenting on what I’ve seen over the years. I will say I was ecstatic to see someone be able to break out of that pattern.

But what concerns me these days is social media. Twenty years ago, if you messed up the gossip mill would get hold of it and tear you apart. Today, however, it hits social media and goes viral. Many people use their fingers to type things that can destroy lives and don’t give it a second thought.

There is actually a term called cyber bullying. Teenagers are crumbling under the pressure and committing suicide. This is the world we live in today.

I strongly believe that hurting people hurt people. When I see these scathing defamatory posts, it tells me the person who wrote it must be in great pain over past hurts.

I am happy to say because of my Christian friends and the things they post, I don’t get a lot of negative of damaging posts on my social media.

Before you speak or type something that may damage someone’s character, go look in the mirror. Have you always lived an upright and righteous life? Have you been able to live a life without mistakes? Have you never failed?

News reports and tabloids love to print all that is wrong in someone’s life. Sadly, this is what sells. We have become a people that feed on the grief of others.

In John chapter 8, a woman had been caught in the act of adultery. Interestingly enough, there is no mention of the man. They brought her to Jesus who preached forgiveness. They were trying to trap him because the law said she must be stoned. When they asked Jesus if she should be forgiven or stoned, he replied, “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.”

I’ve spent many years in my life judging other people. I’ve come to realize that until we understand what they are going through, we have no idea why they do the things they do. I’m not making excuses for people who do wrong, I’m just saying we could find ourselves in a similar situation. Jesus said the judgment we use will be measured back to us.

We are told in Galatians 6:7 not to be deceived because God will not be mocked, whatever we reap we will sow. My friend, if you are reaping seeds of bitterness and judgment, you need to be really careful. One day you are going to have to sow those seeds. It will come back to you.

Our former pastor said, we are not to judge anyone, but we should inspect their fruit. Today, I challenge you to inspect your own fruit. Are you spending more time on social media than in God’s word? Are you spending more time judging others than serving the Lord and others?

There will come a time, and I believe it will be soon, when we will answer for every idle word said or typed. Are you prepared to do this? Are you ready to stand before God and answer for every word that has come from your mouth or been typed by your fingers (Matthew 12:36)?

To prepare for judgment, we need to repent if we have judged others. We need to trust in the Lord and focus on Him. Let Him deal with those who do wrong. Don’t bring His judgment down on you because you judged others.

Have a great day!