Topic > Relationships > Judging Others >
Why Cause Grief?
Pastors make an easy target for criticism. Every week they are on display, carefully explaining God’s Word, challenging us toward Christlike living. But sometimes we look to find things to criticize. It’s easy to overlook all the good things a pastor does and focus on our personal opinions.
Overcoming Bias
A Washington Post article reported that recent studies into the nature of prejudice found that almost everyone harbors biases, and these attitudes affect even those who actively resist them. A University of Kentucky psychologist says that much of our self-esteem comes from feeling better about ourselves than about others because of the group we belong to. Prejudice is not easy to overcome, even within the family of God.
Biblical encouragement concerning our daily struggle with sin
Satan has had centuries to perfect his crafty strategies, and has the resources to implement his devious plans. What chance do we possibly have against such an insurmountable enemy? If you’ve put your faith in Jesus, you have resources too! Resources that can help you win the battle.
Discover the meaning behind Jesus’ metaphors
In the middle of His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus turned to His followers and gave them a seemingly odd piece of advice; “Don’t feed your pearls to your pigs.” We're putting the pieces together.
Consider Jesus’ instruction not to throw holy and sacred things away
If we had a nice, juicy filet mignon, we’d likely not put that expensive cut of meat into our dog’s food bowl! But are we giving away the priceless spiritual gifts we’ve received?
Three questions that can turn any conversation from one of judgment to one of love
When left unchecked, our words can recklessly cut other people down. Our study of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount continues.
Let’s put an end to our destructive conversations
If we’re honest, there are times we catch ourselves criticizing others unfairly. Those words of judgment can sneak into our conversations quicker than we realize. A discussion we all need to hear.
Discover the difference between constructive criticism and destructive judgment
The tongue is a powerful instrument that can be used for either good, or evil. The Bible says life and death are in the power of our words! A helpful dialogue from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.
How being a “splinter-remover” has its risks, but also rich rewards
Have you ever tried to help a friend deal with a sinful action, only to encounter resentment, hurt, and frustration? If so, you might question whether it’s worth trying to help at all.
Where is the line between loving concern and destructive judgment?
As brothers and sisters in Christ, we should help one another stay on the straight and narrow path. Let's get a better understanding of how to counsel others, without condemning ourselves!
Discover why Jesus used the term “hypocrite” in His illustration about judgment
There are few words harsher than the word “hypocrite.” No one wants to be labeled a phony, a fraud, or a pretender! Could Jesus be talking about us?
Let’s look at Jesus’ illustration of a man with a log in his eye!
Teachers don’t always have to be serious and somber. Jesus proved that sometimes humor and hyperbole are the best way to get your point across!
First Impressions
As I shopped for groceries one day, I was perceived as a thief by one person and a hero by another.
As I exited the supermarket, an employee said, “Excuse me, Sir. There are too many unbagged items in your cart.” This is evidently a strategy used by shoplifters. When he saw that they were products too big to be bagged, he apologized and sent me on my way.
Understanding the danger of criticizing others
In Matthew 7, Jesus tells a comical story about two men. One has a bit of dust in his eye. But the other guy is walking around with a giant log sticking out of his eyeball! Let's explore this humorous illustration to discover profound truth.
Practicing Jesus’ principle to “take the log out of our eye before we take the splinter out of another’s”!
It’s easy to point out the problems in someone else’s life, and turn a blind eye to the problems in our own.
