Process
“Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God?”
Romans 2:1-3
If you have difficulty connecting with others and can’t seem to attain the dreams God has placed upon your heart, it’s important to consider if your own attitude is blocking your growth and prosperity. Judgment is a heavy burden that will hold you back.
Although it’s a very human thing to step into judgment, this is not our calling. God alone is the final judge. Believers are called to walk in love, reflecting God’s truth by the life we live. We cannot attract people to the spirit of God if we’re not walking the scriptures out. It’s not enough to know the scriptures for we must embody what we believe. This isn’t easy but it is the call of our lives; I believe this is what Jesus meant when He said, we must carry our own cross.
As you know, journaling has been life-changing for me. I’ve learned to take my raw thoughts to God, asking Him to change my heart and each time I’ve done this, He has been faithful to help me do what I cannot.
The truth is, we all have the ability to be offensive. Most cannot see this because we judge ourselves by our motives but judge others by their actions. This isn’t a balanced scale! Consider this: Isn’t everyone is entitled to having a weak moment? Aren’t we all on a different level of our journey? Isn’t God doing a very individual thing inside each one of us? We must not allow our judgment of others to condemn our own hearts.
The wonderful part of journaling is not holding back; unleashing the good, the bad and the ugly helps me see the state my soul is in. Only from this place of raw honesty can I expect to see the kind of change I’m looking for…real change.
If you find yourself in the toxic loop of judging others, follow these powerful journal prompts:
Journal to yourself by asking:
- What do I most pride myself as/in?
- What are the opposite qualities of this?
- Who am I judging right now? (Pick only one person)
- What qualities in them do I find repulsive?
- Why am I judging?
- Is there a part of me that deeply wants this for myself?
Journal to God:
- Repent for judging.
- Ask God to help you embrace your desire. State it clearly to Him.
- Release all guilt, shame and past judgments on others.
- Release forgiveness to yourself and accept the truth that if you’ve repented, you are forgiven.
Prayer for embodying a judgment-free life:
“Lord, you’re a good God. Your mercies are new every morning and with each new day, I am given a fresh chance to make things right between both man and you.
Forgive me for placing myself as judge and jury. I can only see from a limited, skewed perspective. You alone are fit for this role.
Give me the strength to continue giving my offence to you. You are a righteous judge. You see all things and know the heart behind the action. Help me to love like you…to forgive without attachments. Release my spirit from the chains of judgment, guilt and shame. I am ready to live free. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” Jeremiah 17:9
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” Matthew 7:3
“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:37
“There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?” James 4:12
