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Judging, Criticizing, Condemning Others
Self-righteousness is one of the hardest sins to avoid because it is
so much easier to see other people's faults than to see our own
faults. But, judgment of a person's character must be left to God
(Romans 2:1-4, James 4:11-12). Rather than look for faults in
others, we should look for the good in others and try to correct the
faults within ourselves. Rather than criticizing other people, we
should concentrate on living holy lives, ourselves. Jesus' comical
parable of a person with a log in his eye trying to see to remove a
speck from another's eye reminds us that we probably have bigger
faults within ourselves (including self-righteousness) than the
faults we like to criticize in others:
Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgment
you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the
measure you get. Why do you see the speck in your neighbor's eye,
but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to
your neighbor, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' while the
log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of
your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of
your neighbor's eye. (NRSV, Matthew 7:1-5)
What does the Bible say about lying?
A lying tongue is not only something God hates, it is also something
that is an abomination to Him.
Proverbs 6:16-19 says, "These six things doth the LORD hate:
yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying
tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth
wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A
false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among
brethren."
What does the Bible say about Revenge?
Romans 12:19 ESV
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God,
for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
Matthew 5:38-39 ESV
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for
a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But
if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Romans 12:17-21 ESV
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable
in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live
peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it
to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will
repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry,
feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so
doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome
by evil, but overcome evil with good.
The Greatest Commandment
All of the New Testament teachings on interpersonal relations follow
from Jesus' commandment, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
When Jesus was asked which of the commandments was most important,
He replied,
The first is, "Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one;
you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all
your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength." The
second is this, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." There is
no other commandment greater than these. (NRSV, Mark 12:26-31)
WHIP INC.
--- Deanna Thompson lives with her husband
Kevin, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. |
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