USE THE SAME STANDARD
It is very easy for us to find defects in our supervisor, school mates, spouse, or even friends at church. It is our natural tendency to judge others and to feel better than others.
Although, this tendency makes it harder for us to make lasting friendships, and a lasting marital relationship in the future. Nobody likes being around people who are always judging and criticizing them because of their weaknesses and defects. I’m sure you wouldn’t like to have friends that are constantly demoralizing you, because they make you look at your weaknesses.
In the previous passage, Jesus Christ gives us a few guidelines to teach us how to keep our relationships healthy:
1. Do not judge others and you will not be judged. Matthew 7:1 NLT
Remember that everything you sow, that you will also reap. If you are tolerant with other people, then others will be tolerant with you. If you criticize your brother at church, others will also criticize you. If you smile cordially, others will smile back at you. Therefore, watch your thoughts, because they have the power to determine what others will think about you.
2. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged (Matthew 7:2).
Do not demand others to do something you cannot even do. If you ask your employees or children to be on time, you must also be on time. If you tell your children not to yell at each other nor disrespect each other, then you must first set the example by no yelling nor being disrespectful at home.
3. For you will be treated as you treat others (Matthew 7:2).
If you are rough and intolerant with your spouse and children, they too, will also get tired of you one day and begin to treat you harshly and they will be impatient with you.
In this day, I encourage you to use the standard Jesus Christ used. Despite of the defects the human being may have, Jesus always saw people with love and compassion. You and I also have the mind of Christ and we can think the same way he thinks about others disregarding the circumstances.
Think about it:
What do you think you need to modify at home or at your job; or with your words, and your manners?
What can you do to smile more and be cordial?
