rizen1
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Judgemental /
Critical Attitude
A judgemental or critical attitude may stem from a strict legalistic interpretation of the Bible; a strict, overbearing conscience; or a tendency to be negative in thought, speech and actions. Our sin of pride is often the root of this problem.
If you are frequently judgemental or critical, then you need help in overcoming this attitude. As Paul demonstrated, we should not even be judgemental of ourselves, let alone one another. The time for judgement will come and it will be the Lord who will then rightly judge us all (1 Cor. 4:1-5).
What Scripture Says
"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgement you judge, you will be judged; and with the same measure you use, it will be measured back to you" (Matthew 7:1-2).
"So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first" (John 8:7).
"Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses" (Mark 11:24,25).
"And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye" (Luke 6:41).
"Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand" (Romans 14:4).
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12).
How To Overcome
It is possible to develop an attitude of forgiveness and mercy, such as Jesus Himself portrayed and taught (John 8:3-11; Matthew 18:21,22).
Learn to look with spiritual eyes and see the "glory that is to be revealed" in a person. Pray that the unsaved person will be saved. A new creature whom you can love may thus be born into the Kingdom of God. Then you will see Christ revealed in him/her.
Continually remind yourself that just as God is not finished with you yet, neither is He finished with anyone else. So, instead of criticizing someone, begin to intercede for him/her in prayer. Soon you will find yourself feeling compassion and concern toward this person, just as Christ does toward you.
There is a great truth that will help you understand another person toward whom you have been judgemental or critical: We were made by our Creator to complement each other. This is especially true of Christians (Romans 12:5; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Corinthians 12:7). When a fellow Christian irritates you, ask the Lord to show you how he/she complements you and vice versa. As God reveals to you that person's unique gift, rejoice. You are free to bless each other by manifesting the unique gifts He has given.
Similarly, it may be true that a non-Christian, even though not yet yielded to God, may bless you and others through his/her God-given gifts (Romans 8:28).
As You Pray
Remind yourself to look at things with spiritual eyes. Trust God for unseen things and know that He is aware of what is happening with the person and circumstances. Leave the results up to Him.
In your authority in Jesus as a Christian, stand against any judgemental or critical spirit. Speak the peace and love of God upon yourself and anyone who may be the object of such an attitude.
Other Positive Steps To Take
Colossians 3:1-3 Seek the things of God
Galatians 6:1-3 Bear one another's burdens
A good daily habit is to find practical ways to bless the one you were previously judging or criticizing.
List all the good, praiseworthy traits, accomplishments, etc. you can find about the person(s) toward whom you find yourself being critical or judgemental. Look for opportunities to share them (a few at a time).
Pray for forgiveness when you find yourself being judgemental or critical. Then ask God to forgive the other person(s) who may have annoyed you, as you purpose to forgive them. This releases them to God so that He is able to work in their hearts more freely.
Topical Teaching - Judgemental / Critical Attitude
Critical Attitude
A judgemental or critical attitude may stem from a strict legalistic interpretation of the Bible; a strict, overbearing conscience; or a tendency to be negative in thought, speech and actions. Our sin of pride is often the root of this problem.
If you are frequently judgemental or critical, then you need help in overcoming this attitude. As Paul demonstrated, we should not even be judgemental of ourselves, let alone one another. The time for judgement will come and it will be the Lord who will then rightly judge us all (1 Cor. 4:1-5).
What Scripture Says
"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgement you judge, you will be judged; and with the same measure you use, it will be measured back to you" (Matthew 7:1-2).
"So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first" (John 8:7).
"Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses" (Mark 11:24,25).
"And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye" (Luke 6:41).
"Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand" (Romans 14:4).
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12).
How To Overcome
It is possible to develop an attitude of forgiveness and mercy, such as Jesus Himself portrayed and taught (John 8:3-11; Matthew 18:21,22).
Learn to look with spiritual eyes and see the "glory that is to be revealed" in a person. Pray that the unsaved person will be saved. A new creature whom you can love may thus be born into the Kingdom of God. Then you will see Christ revealed in him/her.
Continually remind yourself that just as God is not finished with you yet, neither is He finished with anyone else. So, instead of criticizing someone, begin to intercede for him/her in prayer. Soon you will find yourself feeling compassion and concern toward this person, just as Christ does toward you.
There is a great truth that will help you understand another person toward whom you have been judgemental or critical: We were made by our Creator to complement each other. This is especially true of Christians (Romans 12:5; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Corinthians 12:7). When a fellow Christian irritates you, ask the Lord to show you how he/she complements you and vice versa. As God reveals to you that person's unique gift, rejoice. You are free to bless each other by manifesting the unique gifts He has given.
Similarly, it may be true that a non-Christian, even though not yet yielded to God, may bless you and others through his/her God-given gifts (Romans 8:28).
As You Pray
Remind yourself to look at things with spiritual eyes. Trust God for unseen things and know that He is aware of what is happening with the person and circumstances. Leave the results up to Him.
In your authority in Jesus as a Christian, stand against any judgemental or critical spirit. Speak the peace and love of God upon yourself and anyone who may be the object of such an attitude.
Other Positive Steps To Take
Colossians 3:1-3 Seek the things of God
Galatians 6:1-3 Bear one another's burdens
A good daily habit is to find practical ways to bless the one you were previously judging or criticizing.
List all the good, praiseworthy traits, accomplishments, etc. you can find about the person(s) toward whom you find yourself being critical or judgemental. Look for opportunities to share them (a few at a time).
Pray for forgiveness when you find yourself being judgemental or critical. Then ask God to forgive the other person(s) who may have annoyed you, as you purpose to forgive them. This releases them to God so that He is able to work in their hearts more freely.
Topical Teaching - Judgemental / Critical Attitude
