We all judge situations and other people’s actions verbally or non-verbally. In fact, we feel so strongly about what we think that, often, our response is to single-handedly judge, convict, and condemn them. You might be thinking to yourself, “Not me. I don’t do that!” Yes, you do; no one is exempt from this behavior.
Even King David of Israel faced that challenge. Through Nathan, the prophet, God told him a story in which a wealthy man took advantage of a poor man. David offered his opinion about the situation without being asked; he immediately blurted out his frustration, judged the case, and pronounced a guilty verdict with the death penalty. “As surely as the Lord lives, any man who would do such a thing deserves to die! He must repay four lambs to the poor man for the one he stole and having no pity” (2 Samuel 12: 5-6).
Before the conversation with Nathan, David, who had multiple wives and concubines, had coveted a poor man’s only wife, Bathsheba, committed adultery with her and got her pregnant. He tried unsuccessfully to cover up his sin. He had the poor man killed, thereby saving face. With the husband out of the way, he married Bathsheba. He had the nerve to pronounce death on the offender. Unfortunately, we all do that; we pronounce judgment before we hear the whole story! Why did his own situation not come to mind as he listened to the story about the rich man and poor man?
On the other hand, when we do wrong, we make excuses for ourselves or cover up our actions. Why are we so forgiving of our own sins and so critical of others? We condemn them without mercy. The Scriptures tell us, “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged” (Matthew 7:1-2).
Until David was confronted about his sins, he was very judgmental of another person whose offense was minor in comparison. Again, the Scriptures tell us, “If you teach others, why don’t you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal? You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you commit adultery? … You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it” (Romans 2:21-23).
Before we judge others, let us put ourselves in the offender’s place and ask ourselves how we would like to be treated. If we decide we don’t deserve forgiveness, grace, mercy, or a second chance, only then should we cast our stones. Jesus said to the crowd who brought the woman caught in adultery, “Let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” (John 8:7).
This does not encourage condoning wrongdoing; we must speak out but not necessarily judge and condemn.
Once king David was confronted, he admitted his wrongdoing: “I have sinned against the Lord” (2 Samuel 12:13), and was instantly granted forgiveness: “Yes, but the Lord has forgiven you, and you won’t die for this sin” (2 Samuel 12:14b).
In Psalm fifty-one, David poured out his heart, and demonstrated remorse for his sin, “Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stains of my sins. … You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just. … Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. … Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves; then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness” (Psalm 51:1-14).
Let’s be careful how we judge others because we could be judging and condemning ourselves! Look deep into your heart. Have you ever thought and blamed someone for wrong things in your life, or do you sin in any way? Only God has the right, knowledge, and power to judge because He is holy.
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