-Judging and Gossip-

if you judge someone you have

no time to love them

A sharp tongue can slit its own throat...

...A gossip separates close friends

-Proverbs 16:28

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
-Matthew 7: 1-2

We are no better than anyone else. Ever since Adam and Eve we have become sinners by nature. So why do we still judge others? Judging others is just setting ourselves up to be judged; not only by others here on earth, but one day by God Almighty. Jesus told us to love others yet that is one of the most difficult things to do. We talk about our friends behind their back, we judge others, we despise others. Who are we to judge? That’s like saying “Well I sin… but I don’t do that” or “well my sin is better than your sin”. No, sin is sin and God hates it no matter how big or how small it may be. God created all men in his image and he loves us all. Every time we gossip or judge its like slapping Christ across the face while he’s on the cross, whipping him one more time, piercing him with another nail. It’s telling God one of his creations just isn’t good enough. God is in all of us and hating a brother or sister of flesh is like hating God. Gossip will only separate friends, judging will only bring judgment upon yourself, and anger will only cause God’s anger. So think twice about your actions.   

Read:

Proverbs 11:13; 16: 28b; 26: 20

Matthew 7: 1- 5,

Luke 6: 37- 38

James 2: 1- 13; 3:9- 10 ; 4: 11- 12

1 John 2: 9- 11; 3:11- 24; 4: 7 – 21

A young lady named Sally, relates an experience she had in a seminary class, given by her teacher, Dr. Smith.  She says that Dr.Smith was known for his elaborate object lessons. One particular day, Sally walked into the seminary and knew they were in for a fun day. On the wall was a big target and on a nearby table were many darts. Dr. Smith told the students to draw a picture of someone that they disliked or someone who had made them angry, and he would allow them To throw darts at the person's picture.

               Sally's friend drew a picture of who had stolen her boyfriend. Another friend drew a picture of his little brother. Sally drew a picture of a former friend, putting a great deal of detail into her drawing, even drawing pimples on the face. Sally was pleased with the

overall effect she had achieved. The class lined up and began throwing darts. Some of the students threw their darts with such force that their targets were ripping apart.

               Sally looked forward to her turn, and was filled with disappointment when Dr. Smith, because of time limits, asked the students to return to their seats. As Sally sat thinking about how angry she was because she didn't have a chance to throw any darts at her target.

               Dr. Smith began removing the target from the wall. Underneath the target was a picture of Jesus. A hush fell over the room as each student viewed the mangled picture of Jesus;   holes and jagged marks covered His face and His eyes were pierced.

               Dr. Smith said only these words... "In as much as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me." Matthew 25:40.

               No other words were necessary; the tears filled eyes of the students focused only on the picture of Christ.