***(VIDEO)***
Judgement is when you assume to know why someone does what they do.
My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? But you dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear? James 2:1-7
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
EVERY PERSON IS SPECIAL TO GOD, EVERY PERSON MATTERS TO GOD, & EVERY PERSON IS LOVED BY GOD.
Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law. For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws. For the same God who said, “You must not commit adultery,” also said, “You must not murder.” So if you murder someone but do not commit adultery, you have still broken the law. So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you. James 2:8-13
4 WAYS TO OVERCOME JUDGING OTHERS
1. WE MUST VALUE PEOPLE
Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3
The LORD doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
SEEING VALUE IN PEOPLE IS NOT ABOUT THEIR VALUE TO YOU, BUT THEIR VALUE TO GOD.
2. WE MUST ACCEPT PEOPLE
When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” Matthew 9:12
“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” -John Maxwell
Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” Matthew 9:13
Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8
3. WE MUST FORGIVE PEOPLE
UNFORGIVENESS WILL HARBOR RESENTMENT AND THAT WILL TURN INTO BITTERNESS
Surely resentment destroys the fool Job 5:2
Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. Hebrews 12:15
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34
4. WE MUST PURSUE RELATIONSHIPS
ISOLATION IS A BREEDING GROUND FOR JUDGEMENT.
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” Luke 6:37-38
TAKE HOME
HOW DOES JESUS VIEW THIS PERSON?
He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession. James 1:18
Fearfully and wonderfully made… We are Gods workmanship formed in our mothers womb…
CAN JESUS RESTORE ANYONE?
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17
IS JESUS’ FORGIVENESS AVAILABLE FOR ALL?
But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9
AM I PURSUING LIFE-GIVING RELATIONSHIPS?
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
