02/18/2025
Practical Tips To Avoid Judging Others
When I research a sermon, such as Sunday’s message on judgmentalism, I always try to think through some practical steps or tips in how to implement God’s desire for our lives. I rustled together a herd of ideas this week and I offer them to you. If you have a tendency (and maybe we all do) to look down in judgment on others, pick one or two of the following and put them into practice. See if it doesn’t move you closer to the ideal Jesus holds out for us.
Practical Tip: Before forming an opinion, ask: “Is this based on deep thought or just personal bias?”
Practical Tip: Observe patterns of behavior, not just moments.
Practical Tip: When correcting someone, start with empathy before offering truth.
Practical Tip: If you catch yourself gossiping or complaining, redirect the conversation to something uplifting.
Practical Tip: Each morning, thank God for one specific way He has shown you grace, and let that gratitude shape how you treat others.
Practical Tip: Whenever you feel the urge to "correct" someone unnecessarily, say: "God, I trust You with this person."
Practical Tip: When you feel the urge to criticize someone, pause and say a quick prayer: “God, help me see this person as You see them.”
Try This Daily Prayer: "Lord, help me to see others as You see them. Remove any pride, bitterness, or self-righteousness in my heart. Teach me to love, extend grace, and encourage rather than condemn. Amen."
Archived Posts
Practical Tips To Avoid Judging Others
When I research a sermon, such as Sunday’s message on judgmentalism, I always try to think through some practical steps or tips in how to implement God’s desire for our lives. I rustled together a herd of ideas this week and I offer them to you.
The Shepherd, the King, and the Rescuer
God has got a long list of names, but some of those names are better than others. There is a small child who thought God’s name was Harold since the Lord’s Prayer includes the phrase “Hallowed be thy name.” When you think of all the scriptures that are most likely to be memorized you would have to include Psalm 23, The Lord’s Prayer, and John 3:16. The danger for us is our tendency to focus on the wrong thing.
Old Jokes Are The Best Jokes
Sunday morning, we took a look at Jesus’ command to make our enemies into neighbors and loving our neighbors as ourselves. One of the obstacles to doing this is our growing sense of tribalism—whether it’s a political, socio-economic, or even theological tribe.
Public and Private Sin
All Was Fair Game for John the Baptist and for Christians Today
Sunday, we looked at the way John the Baptist was uncompromising about sin wherever he saw it at work. We in the church have tended to focus mostly on private or personal holiness and have ignored prophetic judgment against public behaviors. We didn’t have time Sunday, but I’d originally included examples of what would have been public sins back in the time of John and Jesus...
Let’s Not Overlook Joseph of Nazareth
I asked my research assistant—a certain ChatGPT—what the most interesting facet of Joseph’s life might be. She shared a couple of things that didn’t make it into Sunday’s sermon but you might still find inspirational...
Key Takeaway from Sunday
If I had to identify a specific take away from
Sunday’s sermon it would probably be this:
The Rest of the Story
I mentioned Russell Conwell in Sunday’s message. He was a famous preacher, educator, and lecturer. His sermon/lecture “Acres of Diamonds” was turned into a book and sold rather well. I used Conwell’s illustrations to talk about sharing the good news of Jesus with those closest to us first—family, friends, coworkers, and church family. The wider world is our ultimate aim, but until you invest in the people God has already put in your life, you are unlikely to have much success.