The Lodestar

Judging others involves forming opinions or evaluations about someone based on their behaviour, appearance, choices, or perceived character. When we assess a situation or person, our judgment can be either positive or negative. For example, if you meet someone new and think they are kind and helpful, that is a favourable judgment. Conversely, if you believe someone is untrustworthy without clear evidence, that would be an adverse judgment.

These judgments can occur consciously, meaning we are aware of making them, or unconsciously, without our awareness—for example, forming an instinctive opinion based on gut feelings. Swiss Psychologist Carl Jung said, “Thinking is difficult, that’s why most people judge.” Judging is easy—it bypasses deep thought and reflection. Our brains are wired to make quick, automatic assessments of others’ behaviour to help us navigate the world efficiently without investing time in understanding everything we encounter. For example, when we see a young person dressed in unfamiliar attire, we usually make a judgment without considering its usefulness, appropriateness, or creativity, simply accepting or dismissing it without much thought.

Judging others can be hypocritical because it often involves criticising others for their faults while ignoring our similar shortcomings. Jesus warns against this hypocritical behaviour: “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:3-5).

This kind of judgment is rooted in pride, not love. Apostle James reminds us that the true judge is not humans but the sovereign Lord, who created us. No human being has the authority to judge another.

Furthermore, human judgments are always partial because we can only see the outside of a person; only God can truly know the heart, which is what matters. The Lord told Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”

Judging others is a natural human tendency, but it often leads to misunderstandings and hypocrisy. The scriptures remind us to be cautious in our judgments, emphasising that only God truly sees the heart and knows the whole truth. By practising humility, patience, and love, we can avoid the pitfalls of superficial judgment and cultivate a more compassionate and fair worldview. Ultimately, it's a call to look inward and seek God’s guidance before passing judgment on others.

Reflect on your judgments today. Before forming opinions about others, take a moment to seek God’s guidance and remember his perspective on the heart. Practice humility, patience, and love in your interactions. Let’s strive to judge with compassion and understanding, trusting that only God sees us fully. Commit to examining your heart and extending grace to others, fostering a more Christ-like attitude in everyday life.

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