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Righteous Judgement
by Kristenea M. LaVelle (Kristenea's bio)

"And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, they say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst." John 8:3-9

Have you ever found yourself in a situation similar to this, where you were tempted to formulate a judgement in your heart regarding another person? Chances are you have, at some time in your life. We all have. It seems to be an integral part of our human existence. Our response to these situations will govern the way we react to the people around us.

When the scribes and Pharisees brought an adulterous woman before Jesus, they had already condemned her in their hearts and were prepared to carry out a judgement against her. Not only that, but they were conspiring to accuse Jesus in the process. It is evident that they did not care about her soul, but only about the judgement. Their hearts were hardened toward her. Jesus responded by addressing the judgmental attitude of their hearts, and reminding them that they were as dead in their sin as the adulterous woman.

We can use this example to learn how we should respond in similar circumstances. It is important to exercise discernment and not entertain judgements that would cause you to harden your heart against another individual. To do this would allow a foothold for the enemy that will lead to divisions within the body of believers. On a larger scale, it could serve to keep you from effectively reaching others for Christ. The love of Christ can not effectively flow through you to minister to others if you hold to a judgmental attitude. Put off all tendencies to condemn others in your heart, and regard them without partiality. Then God can use you to reach out and minister to the needs of that individual. It may even bring about salvation to a lost soul.

"Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgement." John 7:24

Copyright 2001, Kristenea M. LaVelle. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.

About Kristenea M. LaVelle: I am a wife of 10 years and a homeschooling mother of five dedicated to teaching and living the truth of Jesus Christ. David and I make our home in Spokane, Washington where we can serve our family and friends with the love of Christ. It was through His direction that I began writing and found myself on a fascinating new journey in life. Now my joy is made complete by writing for Him and about Him. E-mail Kristenea