Judge Much?

Scripture: (Matthew 7:1-3) Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgement you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?

Olympic gold medalist, Simone Biles, withdrew from the 2021 Olympic games allegedly to work on her mental health. Many, I dare call them fans, bashed her and called her selfish and weak. Later, it was revealed that she had been suffering from a disorder called, Twisties. Twisties is a disorder that makes it difficult for a gymnast to determine where they are when in the air and ultimately takes away their ability to control where they land.

After Biles’ withdrawal, many people had something to say. Tennis great, Billie Jean King, tweeted, “I’ve been thinking of #Simone Biles all day. So very sorry she wasn’t feeling her best. She showed true leadership in taking herself out of competition in order for her team to have a chance to medal. Sending her and the team love & support”. In contrast, an interview with Olympian and tennis star Novak Djokovic revealed a different opinion of the gymnast. Djokovic was asked what he thought about Biles’ withdrawal and he replied, “Pressure is a privilege. If you are aiming to be at the top of the game, you better start learning how to deal with pressure and how to cope with those moments”. Although, Biles had previously dealt with the pressure of being sexually abused by the team’s doctor and telling the world about it; she still became a champion. Although, Biles was dealing with the pressure of having the “Twisties” she still made the Olympic team. Moreover, the world found out that Biles had been competing with broken toes, but this didn’t stop others from judging her harshly. Ironically, two days after Novak’s disparaging statements about Biles, he lost his cool after losing in the bronze medal match. Ironically, he withdrew from his next match (a mixed match) because he could not handle the pressure. His inability to deal with the pressure didn’t just affect him but adversely affected another player.

Mr. Djokovic could have responded like Billy Jean King, but he didn’t. In reality we all hold the gavel at some time in our lives. The question, however, is not do we judge: but how do we judge. So, as you go through life wearing your proverbial black robe and banging your gavel be mindful of how you judge others because that same judgement may be directed toward you one day. Don’t judge other people and you will not be judged. (If you judge) You will be judged in the same way that you judge others. And the forgiveness you give to others will be given to you (Matthew 7:1-3: Children’s International Bible).

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, help us to remember the importance of judging others with the same grace we would want. Forgive us Father for forgetting that Your Word says to treat others the way we want to be treated (Luke 6:31). We are all guilty of judging others harshly and then expecting grace and mercy when we slip. How grateful I am for forgiveness, new mercies, and the matchless love of Jesus. Thank You, Lord, for dying on the cross for my sins. In Jesus Name, I pray, Amen.

(by Pat Towns)