Philippians 2:3-4 NIV — Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Yesterday I encouraged you to step back and begin a self-examination. Were you able to see things in a new way like today’s picture of my new perspective from my plane window? Did God reveal to you a time or times you have been judgmental of others? Have you had thoughts or expressed your opinion about someone whose behavior, beliefs, or life circumstances are different from your own?

As I have shared with you, I recently was the one being judged. As a result, I was hurt and disappointed that someone I knew as a Christian had verbalized judgments about me to another Christian. My first reaction was to make my own judgments about their behavior not being Christ-like. As He usually does, God stopped me in my tracks and opened my eyes to my response. I was doing exactly the same thing. I was being judgmental as a means of trying to vindicate myself. I was actually being selfish by worrying about how I felt instead of extending forgiveness and grace. 

How about you? Have you found yourself in a similar situation? Has God convicted you of your reaction to hurt?  God calls us to be different. God calls us to value others above ourselves. God calls us to be Christ-like, even when others are not. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, Forgive me for times I have fallen short of Your glory by being judgmental. Open my eyes to my shortcomings and give me courage to respond like Christ. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.