Reflect today on mercy and judgment in your life

“Stop judging, not to be judged. As you judge, so you will be judged and the measure with which you will measure will be measured. " Matthew 7: 1-2

Being judgmental can be a difficult thing to shake. Once someone gets into the habit of thinking and speaking regularly in a hard and critical way, it is very difficult for them to change. Indeed, once someone starts to be critical and judgmental, it is likely that they will continue on that path by becoming more critical and more critical.

This is one of the reasons why Jesus tackles this trend so strongly. After the passage over Jesus says: "Hypocrite, first remove the wooden beam from your eye ..." These words and Jesus' strong condemnation of being a judge are not so much because Jesus is angry or harsh with the judge. Rather, he wants to redirect them from the road they are following and help free them from this heavy burden. So an important question to think about is this: “Is Jesus talking to me? Do I struggle to judge? "

If the answer is "Yes", do not be afraid or discouraged. Seeing this trend and admitting it is very important and it is the first step towards the virtue that is opposed to being judgmental. Virtue is mercy. And mercy is one of the most important virtues we can have today.

It seems that the times we live in require more mercy than ever. Perhaps one of the reasons for this is the extreme tendency, as a world culture, to be severe and critical of others. All you have to do is read a newspaper, browse social media or watch nightly news programs to see that our world culture is one that continuously grows in the tendency to analyze and criticize. This is a real problem.

The good thing about mercy is that God uses our judgment or mercy (whichever is more obvious) as the measuring rod of how he treats us. He will act with great mercy and forgiveness towards us when we show that virtue. But it will also show his justice and judgment when this is the path we take with others. It's up to us!

Reflect today on mercy and judgment in your life. Which is greater? What's your main trend? Remind yourself that mercy is always much more rewarding and satisfying than being judgmental. It produces joy, peace and freedom. Put mercy on your mind and commit yourself to seeing the blessed rewards of this precious gift.

Lord, please fill my heart with mercy. Help me put aside all critical thinking and harsh words and replace them with your love. Jesus I believe in you.