Eden as Judge, Jury and Executioner

"Judge not that ye be not judged. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you." Matt7:1-2

This verse serves as a sobering warning. I have often evaluated myself, others, and especially Andrew, in the following way. I look at them or something they're doing/have done and I think "Is this good or is this bad?" And then my thoughts either praise or condemn them accordingly. Recently my thinking pattern has changed to "This person is a sinner. This person is God's son/daughter. Is there grace enough to cover this sin/annoyance/offense?" Usually I laugh to myself as I say yes because the matter is so small and insignificant. Other times the answer is no in which case I need to ask God for the grace and probably talk to the person.

This might seem like a minor change in thought process but it's deeply rooted and has/is making a big difference for me. I feel a lot more free with greater peace and contentment. I'm less affected by the good and bad of those around me. I am more focused on the Cross and how myself and others are covered in the blood of the Lamb.

I find quite a lot of my thought patterns, feelings, and reactions, become diseased without me being aware of how off base they are. Once I see it I can repent and ask God to train me in the right way to respond, think, feel. Studying God's Word at Grace Theological College has been really good for helping me see how my own sin is contributing to the pains and hurts I struggle with.

I Corinthians 10:13 is so encouraging: "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide a way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it (some translations say 'so that you will be trained by it'."

For me this battle with being judgmental has been slow going and frustrating but I'm so excited that God is faithful to point out my pride and show me the way of humility. This sin doesn't have a hold on me like it used to!

Thank you God for healing and making new and allowing us to change by your power and goodness! Help us to love you with our thoughts, words and actions.

Another thing about people with judgmental tendencies - we often set a high standard for ourself and are either self-righteously happy/proud because we (think we) live up to this standard or we are distraught that we've failed. Either way we're looking to our own effort and works to save us rather than Christ's righteousness which has covered both the good and the bad.

In Christ Alone.
Eden :)