Relationship
«Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you* (Matthew 7: 1, 2).
Two taxidermists were walking on a street in the center of their city, discussing the latest techniques of their profession. Passing by a store window, they suddenly noticed a stuffed macaw. They stopped and started to highlight the various mistakes of the exhibited work. The posture was not natural and the bird seemed to be forced to lean forward. feathers were not properly arranged and their color was too vivid. The wings were slightly curved and the overall appearance did not place the bird in its natural habitat. definite conclusion was that the creator of the work was a beginner who still had much to learn in order to master the art of taxidermy. But before they continued their walk, they took a last glance at the macaw. They were stunned to see the bird gently scratching its plumage with its beak.
In today’s verse, Jesus warns us against one of the most common tendencies in our relationships: judging our neighbor. How often is this situation repeated especially when the judgment toward others is even more accurate for ourselves! The apostle says, «Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things» (Rom. 2: l).
The option presented by the apostle Paul is not to judge but to love, «Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law» (Rom. 13:8); «Let brotherly love continue» (Heb. 13: l).
Judging others never strengthens interpersonal relationships; rather, it causes more damage. The next time you catch yourself judging a neighbor, friend or co-worker, stop and think: «In which way am I doing the same thing? What do I try to hide? Why do I persist in focusing on other people’s mistakes?» Could you possibly find the same type of defects in your life. If this is the case, ask yourself: «What can I do to improve my attitude and my behavior? »
Ask God to grant you the wisdom to help you discover the ideal guideline to follow in your personal relationships. Let the Lord lead your decisions and actions. You will be surprised to see how your character gradually evolves and also how the relationship with the person you were judging improves.
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Taken from: Daily Devotions for Junior 2020
“A Cheerful Heart Is Good Medicine”
From: Julian Melgoza-Laura Fidanza
Colaboradores:Ricardo Vela & Emmanuel Tapia
