“Judgmental Spirit”

Matthew 7:1-5

Judgmental is defined as tending to make quick and excessively critical judgments; reckless; thoughtless; immature; untrustworthy.

We judge because of our own selfish interests. For example, we sometimes become critical when comparing ourselves to those around us. We try to find fault in others to prove that we are smarter, better looking, happier or wealthier. We simply want to feel better about ourselves. The Pharisees in all of their haughtiness and criticism of others were not known as the people who could help one out of a spiritual fault. They were unable to help others because were so quick to cast their judgment. We are wrong to minimize our faults and magnify the faults of others, it is a hypocritical position. It does so much damage to the Body of Christ. The beautiful pearls of the kingdom are wasted on someone who only sees the faults and failures of others. The Kingdom of grace calls us to be more like God; forgiving, loving, and caring. We can no longer tolerate the critical negative spirit, we must move on to share the pearls of the kingdom with those who are open and receptive. Jesus illustrated this point so profoundly in the gospel of John when He challenged those who were ready to stone a woman to death who had been caught in the act of adultery. He said to them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.’ And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one. A critical attitude, judgmental spirit can hinder our walk with God and distract us from God's purposes for our life. 

I come by this morning to let you know when we judge, we invite judgment upon ourselves. The bible says in James 2:13 that "judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy.” Only God could satisfy the judgment against us for our sins. Be bless and I love you!!! JE