Judge not ... and be free!

It seemed like a good idea. Wasn’t I just being loving? You see, I was concerned about choices made by someone close to me and felt compelled to discuss this with him. But the conversation didn’t go well. And afterward, things became awkward and unresolved.

Prayer is my solid go-to whenever I experience doubt, fear, illness, or even awkwardness. To me, prayer is a quiet communion with God – who is Love and Truth, the source of justice and mercy. These times of prayer are times of great humility, but they always result in spiritual growth.

What did I need to know? When I opened the Bible, I landed on the Sermon on the Mount’s instruction, “Judge not, that ye be not judged” (Matthew 7:1).

Was I really judging? I could feel the self-justification rising. I was just trying to be helpful!

Christian Science brings out how constructive correction can be when it’s based on the affirmation that we’re God’s spiritual creation – entirely good, complete, and whole – leaving no room for wrong activity. But if our actions are premised on a mistaken concept of man as broken, lacking, or misguided, there’s often worry, pressure, or manipulation involved. And no, these don’t effectively lead to solutions.

I thought about my concerns. Were they based on seeing this individual’s innate goodness – and trusting in his ability to express that in being good and doing good? I squirmed. They were not.

The Sermon on the Mount includes the Golden Rule of treating others as one would want to be treated by them (see Matthew 7:12). I realized that to be genuinely loving is to see one another as God sees each one of us – just how we would love to be seen and known. Making God’s perspective our perspective helps to uplift and empower ourselves and others – and causes us to abandon a personal sense of judgment. Mary Baker Eddy, the discoverer of Christian Science, writes, “When will the world cease to judge of causes from a personal sense of things, conjectural and misapprehensive!” (“Miscellaneous Writings 1883-1896,” p. 290). As the Gospel of John says, “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (7:24).

How does God judge? God judges with righteousness – seeing us not as flawed mortals, but as the divine reflection of His infinite love and perfection (see I John 3:2).

And God’s judgment stands! Ever since this experience, I’ve been free of these burdensome concerns. I affirmed this dear one’s resourcefulness, boundless sense of adventure, and deep compassion, as I would normally do. Our Father-Mother God knows and loves Her creation infinitely and intimately. As I grew in trusting this person, me, and all God’s creation to God’s guidance, I was able to let go of the false sense of responsibility I had taken on for this individual.

Shortly thereafter, we had a helpful, constructive talk, and our natural respect and happy camaraderie were restored. Later, he shared some surprising and promising solutions that I found he had been exploring all along.

But there was more going on here. I felt buoyant! Not only was I freed of a personal sense of judging another, but a hidden fear of facing opinions and criticisms – a concern about others’ judgment of me – was lifted at the same time. I saw myself unburdened and free to be the fuller expression of what God has made me.

I was singing along with “a louder song” that, in Mrs. Eddy’s words, is reaching toward heaven. She writes, “A louder song, sweeter than has ever before reached high heaven, now rises clearer and nearer to the great heart of Christ; for the accuser is not there, and Love sends forth her primal and everlasting strain” (“Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” p. 568).

God, Love, alone is our Judge. There are no accusers where Love is present, which is everywhere. We can be honest and constant in our expressions of love and compassion, judging “righteous judgment.” In yielding to divine Love and discerning and dispensing with any sinful, personal sense, we more actively embrace the infinite possibilities of God. And so, we find that our relationships with others and our understanding of ourselves include increasing joy and freedom.