“Stop judging others, and you will not be judged. For others will treat you as you treat them. Whatever measure you use in judging others, it will be used to measure how you are judged.”
I found out something really bad about myself not long ago. I realized that I judge others by the Standard of the Law but I judge myself by the Standard of Grace. With others, I was/am wanting to hold them accountable for their actions, as well as questioning their motives.
“Why were they late? Don’t they realize my time is precious?”
“Why would they say that to me? They have no right to talk to me like that!”
“Who are they trying to impress? Why are they acting like that?”
On the other hand, I am much more gentle with myself.
“I know I’m going to be late, but I meant to be on time.”
“I probably shouldn’t have said that, but that is just the way I am wired.”
“God knows my heart. He knows that I don’t mean to come across as abrasive.”
“God understands. I’ll try to do better next time.”
The problem with this duality is that Jesus said that I will be judged by the standard I judge others by. Ouch! I don’t want to be judged by the Law. Extending grace to others is an important part of the Gospel. God extends His grace to me. I need to give grace to others.
Do you ever have trouble giving grace to others? How do you handle it?
Here is the link to help Annie and I share God’s grace in Brazil. Obrigado!
