Value Your Neighbor

Matthew 7:2 Amplified Bible

2 For just as you [hypocritically] judge others [when you are sinful and unrepentant], so will you be judged; and in accordance with your standard of measure [used to pass out judgment], judgment will be measured to you.

It's important to take inventory of our own actions, understanding we shouldn't make our words a law for everyone else. Our neighbors mustn't be judged quickly, nor should we pass judgment without reason. It's important not to make people look bad but valued, even in correction. There's a good warning in these verses for those who fight with their neighbors about small things while allowing themselves to make bigger mistakes.

Judge with the righteous (right standing with God) judgment. We should live as if we were in the presence of God, to whom all hearts are receptive. Only God knows our hearts, the source of our most hidden emotions. We need to ask ourselves “can the course of my life” be judged as right standing with God before pointing the finger at our neighbors' course of life? 

Proverbs 16:2 says “All the ways of a man are clean and innocent in his own eyes [and he may see nothing wrong with his actions], But the Lord weighs and examines the motives and intents [of the heart and knows the truth].” 

God's judgment will be based on truth, not appearance, worldly status, formal status, etc. In contrast to the human judgment so inconsistent with their own conduct, following truth, so that it's not distorted or mistaken, but completely appropriate to their moral disposition. All God's judgment does is square with the facts, not feelings or favoritism. Our hearts are searched and valued by God not just for external acts, but for our inner thoughts and true character as well.

There has to be hatred of former disobedient actions (sinfulness) in true repentance, caused by a change in the mind that makes us want to do good instead of evil. When we look in the mirror, it's okay to admit that we caused disunity and unvalued the person receiving the action. In true repentance, there's a sense of internal despair that we're not perfect but just as flawed as everyone else to bravely say, “Will you forgive me of my actions?”. This is what repentance is all about, it's a change and accountability, and we all need it. Hard, unforgiving, stubborn, or resentful hearts are the ruin of sinners, due to the response of not healing in these areas. Those sinful natures are expressed in their strong words, treasuring up their anger toward another person. For someone to be treated well, they must have pure intentions, be respectable, and kind to others, and reject all actions motivated by a sense of entitlement or self-seeking.

Father, We come to you in Jesus' name, with a heavy heart, seeking forgiveness for my actions of judgment. I have let my biases and prejudices cloud my judgment, causing me to treat others unfairly and unkindly. Lord, I confess my sins before you and humbly ask for your forgiveness. You teach that love is the foundation of all relationships. Yet, I have failed to demonstrate love towards my neighbors. Lord, change my heart so that I can value my neighbors. Show me the ways I can serve them and be of assistance to them. Help my heart to be filled with kindness and empathy towards others, just as you have demonstrated towards me. Remind me of your unwavering love and grace, which extend to all people, regardless of their shortcomings.

In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Jeremiah 17:10 New International Version

10 “I the Lord search the heart

    and examine the mind,

to reward each person according to their conduct,

    according to what their deeds deserve.”

Romans 2:2-3 Amplified Bible

2 And we know that the judgment of God falls justly and in accordance with truth on those who practice such things. 3 But do you think this, O man, when you judge and condemn those who practice such things, and yet do the same yourself, that you will escape God’s judgment and elude His verdict?