I want to begin today by asking a question. How many of you have ever watched a mother struggle with her crying toddler who gets out of control? What was your first thought? “If that were my child, I would handle this so differently?” Almost immediately? I have had that happen countless times, however, I also began to feel the gentle nudge of the Holy Spirit—that reminder that I had just done exactly what we’re going to talk about today: I had judged someone without knowing their story.
Have you ever caught yourself doing something similar? Maybe it was something small. Or perhaps it was something more significant—watching a friend make a decision you strongly disagreed with, or seeing a family member handle a situation in a way you would never choose. That quick internal commentary that whispers, “I would never do it that way.” That subtle pride that says, “My approach is better.” We live in a culture that encourages judgment. Social media platforms are designed for quick opinions and hot takes. News outlets invite us to form immediate judgments on complex situations we know little about. Even our entertainment often revolves around judging others—from reality TV competitions to comment sections filled with harsh criticisms. But this evening, I want us to consider what God’s Word has to say about this very human tendency to judge others, and how releasing judgment can lead us to experience a depth of joy in Christ that many of us have never known.
Turn with me to Matthew chapter 7, where Jesus gives us these powerful words beginning in verse 1: “Don’t judge, so that you won’t be judged. For with whatever judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but don’t consider the beam that is in your own eye? Or how will you tell your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye;’ and behold, the beam is in your own eye? You hypocrite! First remove the beam out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:1-5 WEBUS)
These are challenging words from our Savior—words that go against our natural inclinations, against our culture, and against our pride. Today, we’re going to explore how breaking free from judgment opens the door to a joy-filled life in Christ. I believe this message is timely for the body of believers, particularly as we navigate a world filled with division and quick judgments. My prayer is that by the end of our time together, each of us will have a practical path forward to release judgment and embrace the fullness of joy Jesus promises.
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