The Standard We Use | Monday
Devotional
When we think about judgment, most of us immediately recall the phrase ‘Do not judge.’ It’s so well-known that even those outside the church can quote it. But Jesus’s teaching on judgment in Luke 6 is far more nuanced than this simple prohibition.
Jesus isn’t telling us to abandon all discernment. Rather, He’s addressing the standard we use when evaluating others. When we judge according to our own preferences, comfort levels, or personal standards, we’ve already gone astray. But when we discern according to God’s unchanging Word, with redemption as our goal and humility as our posture, we’re practicing righteous discernment.
The question isn’t whether we should discern truth from falsehood—we must. The question is whether we’re using God’s perfect standard or our imperfect one. Are we approaching others as fellow sinners in need of grace, or as superior beings looking down on the ‘less spiritual’?
Today, consider the standards you use when evaluating situations and people. Are they rooted in Scripture or in personal preference? Are they applied with humility or pride? The difference matters eternally.
Bible Verse
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37
Reflection Question
When you find yourself making judgments about others, what standard are you typically using—your personal preferences or God’s Word? How might your approach to difficult relationships change if you focused on redemption rather than condemnation?
Quote
The difference of righteous judgment and sinful judgment is the standard that we use. Anytime that you and I attach judgment to our own standard of living, it will be sinful. But when we attach judgment to God’s standard for living with the right motive and with the right attitude, with redemption in mind, then that would be righteous judgment or righteous discernment.
Prayer
Father, forgive me for the times I’ve judged others by my own standards rather than Yours. Help me to see people as You see them—precious souls in need of grace, just as I am. Give me discernment that leads to redemption, not condemnation. In Jesus’ name, amen.