The Trap of Judgment

Devotional 
There's a subtle shift that happens when we drift from grace into legalism—we start looking at people differently. Instead of seeing them through God's eyes of love and potential, we begin to judge them by their outward appearance and actions. This judgmental spirit is one of the clearest signs that we've fallen into the trap of legalism. When we're walking in grace, we remember our own journey and how patient God has been with us. We see others as fellow travelers who, like us, are works in progress. But when legalism creeps in, we become spiritual scorekeepers, measuring others by standards that often have more to do with our preferences than God's heart. This judgmental attitude doesn't just hurt others—it reveals something troubling about our own hearts. It shows we've forgotten that we're all saved by grace, not by our performance. We've somehow convinced ourselves that we've earned God's favor through our good behavior, and now we expect others to do the same. The truth is, none of us deserves God's love and acceptance. We're all recipients of unmerited favor. When we truly grasp this reality, it transforms how we see others. Instead of judgment, we offer grace. Instead of criticism, we extend encouragement. Instead of focusing on external behavior, we look for opportunities to love and serve. Remember, people are watching how we treat others. Our grace-filled responses can draw them to God, while our judgmental attitudes can push them away.

Bible Verse
'We know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.' - Galatians 2:16

Reflection Question
How might your judgmental attitudes toward others be revealing areas where you've forgotten your own need for grace?

Quote
How do we know we've fallen into legalism? Because when we're falling into legalism, we look at people a certain way. Instead of having grace, we have judgment. Instead of looking at the heart, we look at the outward appearance.

Prayer
Lord, forgive me for the times I've judged others instead of extending grace. Help me to see people through Your eyes of love and compassion. Remind me daily that I am saved by grace alone, and help me to offer that same grace to others. Amen.