What kind of judge are you

The message this week from Jesus' sermon on the Mount in Matthew 7:1-6 addresses an often misunderstood principle of the Christian life. A critical spirit, a judgmental, condemning spirit, is damaging to human relationships. The media, our social relationships, our schooling, and our work situations and even our government are filled with criticism and judgment. Though we often joke about it, experiencing it is most unpleasant. Few things are more exhausting and debilitating than harsh, unloving criticism. Some think their critical spirit is a spiritual gift, but the Lord does not agree. In Matthew 7, the Lord sets the record straight in no uncertain terms. He tell us how we should relate to our brothers and sisters in this matter of judgmentalism, especially in respect to the fact that we will all undergo a final judgment.