It happens all the time. Just take a visit among social media. Negative opinions, quick conclusions — even among Christians. It is disheartening.

It can be easy it is to spot what’s wrong in someone else’s life. We see the choices people make, the way they live, the things they say—and if we’re honest, we often rush to judgment. But when we pause and reflect on the words of Jesus, we’re reminded that judgment isn’t our calling. Love is. Jesus said:

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.” —Matthew 7:1 (NLT)

This verse gets quoted a lot, especially when people feel cornered or criticized; yet it is teaching believers how they are to treat others who are not. While it’s sometimes misused, the heart of this verse remains clear: Jesus was calling His followers to live differently. To live with grace.

The original Greek word for “judge” in this passage is krino, which means to form an opinion or verdict about someone. But here’s the challenge: As Christians, we live by the truths of the Bible. Yet many people around us don’t. They’re navigating life by what the world tells them is right, often chasing meaning, identity, or love in all the wrong places.

Expecting someone who doesn’t know Jesus to live by His teachings is like asking someone to follow directions in a language they don’t speak. It doesn’t make sense to them—yet.

So what should we do instead? We love.

When Jesus walked the earth, He dined with sinners. He healed the broken. He listened, helped, and had compassion. And people followed Him—not because He preached at them, but because He loved them. And through that love, their hearts were changed.

It’s the same today. People are still looking for truth, for hope, for healing. But they won’t find it in criticism or condemnation. They’ll find it in love—through how we live, how we speak, and how we treat them.

Jesus gave His followers a new commandment:

“Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” —John 13:34-35 (NLT)

If we want people to know Jesus, we must lead with love. Let your kindness spark curiosity. Let your peace point to something deeper. And when people begin to wonder what makes you different, you’ll have the chance to introduce them to the One who changed everything.

Love opens hearts. Grace prepares the way. Judgment never will.

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Journaling Prompts:

1. Reflect on a time when someone showed you unexpected grace. How did it impact you?
2. Have you ever been quick to judge someone without understanding their story? What would you do differently now?
3. How do you respond when someone disagrees with your beliefs? What might Jesus do in your shoes?
4. Write a prayer asking God to help you reflect His love more clearly to others, especially those who don’t yet know Him.

Bible Journaling:

Use the verses below to reflect and color-code in your journaling Bible as part of your quiet time:

Matthew 12:36
I Corinthians 13:4-7
2 Corinthians 10:3
Galatians 5:13-15
Ephesians 4:32-5:2
Ephesians 6:12

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 Disclosures: Feature photo by Saulo Meza on Unsplash
Scriptures marked NLT are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW LIVING TRANSLATION (NLT): Scriptures taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW LIVING TRANSLATION, Copyright©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Used by permission.