Judgmentalism as Reciprocity

Monroe County

In Matthew 7:1-2 Jesus says, “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.” I see the truth of this in two ways.

#1 – The judgmental-person-as-faultfinder-and-accuser-of-others will receive their own unfair share of retributive judgment heaped back on them. Everyone gets misunderstood. But if you waste your time picking out the faults of others, others will waste their time picking out your faults. The big bang of your judgmental words creates an ever-expanding universe of judges, all skilled at finger-pointing. 
Not everyone who gets “judged” judges back. But when people feel judged, the fallen thought comes into their heads, “But you, also, are a failure.” One then wants to attack back. Judged people rise to their own defense. Tu quoque. 

#2 – The non-divine judges of all the earth suffer something even greater, which only gets exacerbated by the human judges who lash out at them. Most judgmental people I have met waste time being critical of their own selves. People who hate and punish others hate and punish their own selves. The skilled, cynical critic of others is just as skilled and cynical about their own self. The mouth that hurts others originates in a hurting heart. It’s the old “hurt people hurt people” thing, which I think is mostly true.

The antidote to this whole wasted mess is to find and experience the love of God for one’s own self. Be loved by God, not just in theory but in experience. The result will be greater compassion towards others.

Love God.

Receive God’s love for your own self.
Stay connected to Jesus and experience, in relationship, his love.
Love one another.