“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.” Matthew 7:12

In chapter 7:1-12 Jesus is addressing your attitude toward others and God, specifically being judgmental.

There’s two types of judging:

1.  Hypocritical

You are most likely guilty of the very same thing you are judging in the other person.  You don’t even realize you need grace and forgiveness and are frankly too preoccupied with other people’s issues.  Jesus is trying to warn you that this is the worst sin of all (Luke 18:9)

'Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer to himself.: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14

2.  Healthy

Once you get your own junk, how you approach others about theirs will be different, more compassionate and understanding.  You know that God is the actual judge and you are merely trying to help out a fellow disciple of Jesus.

How does Jesus want you to love others?

Positive acts of love defeat a judgmental spirit.  This one statement is a grand summary of all that Jesus taught about relationships with others.  He wants you to be:

• Compassionate
• Forgiving
• Understanding
• Empathic

Frankly! All the things you are wanting from others!

It’s really about turning your complaints about other people and how they are treating you into acts of love for them. How is this possible? Trusting in Jesus that he will empower you to pull it off. Think of it as a miracle, because it is.