A Cycle of Judgment or Mercy

 By: Lauren Thomas 

I had had several conversations with this woman. And in those conversations, I was beginning to notice two patterns: 1) She was extremely concerned with what people thought of her, to the point of insecurity. 2) She was extremely judgmental of everyone she spoke of, criticizing their appearance, actions, and motives. The more I spoke with her, the more I noticed a correlation. Then it hit me.

 

This correlation sounded like a verse, something Jesus said, something that I was watching play out. But she was doing the exact opposite of what Jesus taught. She was doing what Jesus warned against.

 

³⁶ Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

³⁷ “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; ³⁸ give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

Luke 6:36-38 ESV

She was full of judgment toward others. And that judgement was turning back to judge herself. She was condemning others. And that condemnation was returning on her own head. She withheld forgiveness from others. And she couldn’t forgive herself. She didn’t give mercy. And she couldn’t allow herself to receive it. The measure she was using, she had no choice but to measure back to herself. 

 

It was a vicious cycle. Her unkindness in her judgement of others created an internal mechanism of self-judgement that was crippling. But it’s not just her. Anyone who is judgmental of others tends to be very hard on themselves. Those who criticize others often struggle with a strong inner critic. It’s a kind of spiritual principle: judge and you will be judged. 

 

And this spiritual principle goes both ways: Be merciful and you will receive mercy.

 

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Matthew 5:7 ESV

 

If you find yourself struggling with insecurity or worry about what others think of you, it’s worth checking your own heart. It’s worth examining if you have a problem of judgment and criticism. Not all insecurity stems from a problem with judgement. But other times there is a definite correlation. Do you find yourself frustrated with others’ failing? Do you give vent to your criticism of people and things around you?

 

You can be sure that Jesus wants to free you of this. As you choose mercy toward others, you will begin to receive mercy. 

 

For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

James 2:13 ESV

Reflection:

Do you struggle with being critical or judgmental? If so, considering the passage above from Luke, can you see how criticism and judgement is impacting you? Ask the Lord to help you choose mercy over judgement.