As You Judge, So Shall You Be Judged

'For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.'

LOS ANGELES, CA - My journey to Jesus has taken many twists. I have been forced to rethink many things in my life. The above statement, spoken by Jesus and documented in the Gospel of St. Matthew, was one of those times I realized that I needed to do some thinking. What is Jesus saying here? The next statement in the Gospel further clarifies Jesus' point: "Why do you notice the splinter in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye?"

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I looked at those statements from a different angle, applying them to myself. How many times did I think someone sinned, and cursed them to go to hell for things that I do? Hmm. When someone was rude to me, did I respond with anger, cursing, damning, being rude to them in return? Or did I pray for the person that was rude, and forgive them? When someone didn't respond as quickly to my request as I would like, what do I do? Did I complain about them, and wish evil upon them, or do I show mercy?

When I use the first approach in the above scenarios, I am really wrong. Based on Jesus's own words, my actions, my sins will be judged as harshly as I have judged the sins of others, a pretty scary thought. I know I have been very critical of others, to my shame. I blamed instead of offering forgiveness and prayer. I cursed at them, instead of trying to be understanding. I have a way to go to be holy. But, I work at this every day, praying that I will be able to meet the challenge of Jesus, to be understanding and forgiving of others. How about you?

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