Judge with Mercy, Not Condemnation
How we see others shapes how we heal—and how we are healed.
A daily devotional adapted from The Drive podcast
“Don’t judge me.”
It’s a phrase we hear often—spoken defensively, posted online, or said when someone feels misunderstood. While no one enjoys the idea of being judged, the truth is that judging itself isn’t the problem. In fact, it’s unavoidable.
To judge simply means to weigh evidence and form an opinion. We do it constantly—what to eat, where to go, who to trust. Our agency is built on the ability to judge and then act. Without judgment, life wouldn’t function.
The caution in scripture isn’t against judging—it’s about how we judge, especially when it comes to people.
Judging the Heart, Not Just the Act
Jesus taught, “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24). That one sentence changes everything.
We tend to judge quickly, based on what we see in a moment. But God looks deeper. He looks at intent, circumstance, and the heart. And if we want our judgments to resemble His, we must slow down long enough to gather understanding.
Imagine reacting in anger to someone’s harmful action—only to later learn the pain or desperation behind it. Suddenly, judgment turns into compassion. Nothing excuses wrongdoing, but understanding changes how we respond.
Remembering the Conditions of Others—and Ourselves
God teaches that His mercy is suited “according to the conditions of men.” He accounts for where people have been and what they’ve endured. If God considers conditions when judging, shouldn’t we?
So many behaviors we judge harshly are rooted in trauma, neglect, fear, or survival. Seeing that doesn’t mean we excuse harm—but it helps us respond with patience instead of pride.
Christ demonstrated this perfectly when a woman was brought before Him, condemned by others and caught in sin. He did not deny her wrongdoing, but He refused to condemn her. Instead, He offered mercy and a path forward: “Go, and sin no more.”
There is a profound difference between judgment and condemnation. Judgment can guide, correct, and protect. Condemnation closes the door on hope.
Leaving Room for Change
How quickly we label people—liar, failure, selfish, broken—and how rarely we leave space for them to grow beyond those labels.
Yet Christ taught forgiveness without limit, not because others always deserve it, but because we need it. The mercy we extend shapes the mercy we receive.
When we judge with humility, remembering our own imperfections, we begin to see others more clearly—and ourselves more honestly.
Today’s Daily Challenge
Today, before forming a judgment about someone, pause and consider at least one of these questions:
Am I seeing the whole picture, or just the moment?
What conditions might this person be carrying?
How would I hope God would judge me in a similar situation?
Then choose mercy.
You may find that compassion brings peace—not just to others, but to your own heart.
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Thanks for taking a moment to reflect today.
For daily devotionals and episode topics, visit
https://joshdowns.com/daily-devotionals
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https://joshdowns.com/come-follow-me-for-teens
