Those Judgmental Struggles

I knew it was a part of my heart that did not reflect the heart of Jesus. I knew it was rooted in pride and perfectionism. I was tired of confessing it and, most powerfully, life and the Lord had humbled me enough to finally want to be set free of passing judgment on other people.

My judgment was not in regard to the state of their souls or salvation; rather, it involved others’ decisions, habits, methods, and even their approaches to the Faith. But like a film that slowly builds up over time, eventually these “small” judgments of character began to inhibit my ability to see people clearly.

I was blinded by self-righteousness.

I became convicted by the words in today’s Gospel, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned . . . . For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you” (Luke 6:36-38).

Very aware of my own sinfulness, character flaws, shortcomings, and bad decisions, I desired to receive others the way I am so mercifully received by God. He has shown me nothing but compassion and forgiveness (see First Reading), so why should I not afford the same to others? If I, the least worthy, am showered with Jesus’ merciful love, why should I not be a small reflection of that love in the world?

He and I began the work of scraping and cleaning the film of judgment off the lenses of my heart. While I’m sure this will be a lifelong work, the fruit this intentionality has already born over the years has been life-giving.

The words of the Lord are “spirit and life” (see Verse before the Gospel), and I want to echo those words of everlasting life to others, even if they’re just in my own head.

Ask the Holy Spirit to cleanse your lenses and to help you exchange pouring judgment for pouring a great measure of merciful love. As we have received, so let us give.

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The words of the Lord are spirit and life. // @to_the_heightsClick to tweet

Do you struggle with being judgmental? Re-read today's Gospel and sit with Jesus' words.