Journal: #154 A Judge No More

Daily Journal
Written By Nik Curfman

Lately, I’ve tried to stop myself when I noticed I’m being a judgmental prick. It’s easy to do. I think of something or someone and declared that thing or person good or bad, or in need of improvement. And yes, I want to stop doing it.

Scripture Says Silly Stuff

Two scriptures keep bubbling up in my mind. The first is rarely recited from a pulpit but it’s of direct quote from Jesus in the Gospel of John:

“You judge according to the flesh; I am not judging anyone.”

John 8:15

This is consistent with John 3:17 which says Jesus didn’t come to condemn the world, but save it. Which I think means Jesus is not a judgmental dick, pronouncing us good or bad. He’s the author and finisher of out faith, with hope eternal. And that hope is for every single person alive no matter how wicked they act.

The other scripture is from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. He’s a bit defiant, but we see a similar tone of the one set by Jesus:

“But to me it is an insignificant matter that I would be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself.”

1 Corinthians 4:3

The word examine used by Paul here is the same word as judge used by Jesus (krino.) So if Jesus doesn’t judge, and Paul says he doesn’t judge….then what are we doing?

Yes, Sin is Sin

To be clear, I’m not talking about tolerating every stupid or harmful act. Destructive behavior is destructive behavior. Asking a smoker to smoke outside isn’t a judgment on their soul. What I’m getting at is my habitual nature to pronounce a person good or bad. Again, behavior is another issue.

But…Judgement is not Love

Most importantly, judgment is not love. Love hopes and forgives. Judgement can turn off the flow of love, and forces people to jump over mountains they didn’t know existed. Ultimately, judgement is a manifest form of fear- a need to separate what we consider a threat from non-threat. It is the tactic of the all evil.

Perfect love casts out all fear.

Lord, teach me to speak love and grace into life over people and situations. I lay down my need and desire to judge people and things. It’s a waste of time and limits Your goodness in my life. Thank you for exposing this hole in my mind. Please fill it with your grace and peace.

Amen.

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Nik Curfman

I am a writer and artist in the early stages of my trek. I spent 20 years trying to be who I thought I needed to be, and now I am running after who I am. Fearless Grit is my space to document and share the process. 

https://fearlessgrit.com
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