Lord Jesus, I admit I am too quick to judge and critique. I come before You with a heart needing to be transformed from being judgmental and critical to a heart that offers grace and love. Your Word clearly says, “Judge not, that you be not judged; for with the judgment, you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you”.1 I realize that I must first remove the log from my own eye before I can see clearly to help my brother with the speck in his eye.2
Lord, help me to remember that “there is only one lawgiver and judge, He, who is able to save and to destroy”.3 Who am I to judge my neighbor? Teach me to approach others with a spirit of gentleness, understanding that I, too, need Your grace. Let my words be edifying, bringing grace to those who hear,4 rather than tearing them down with criticism or harsh judgment.
Father, I ask that You help me to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger,5 for I know that my anger does not produce the righteousness You desire. May I be clothed in humility, considering others more significant than myself,6 and bearing with one another in love, forgiving as You have forgiven me.7 Lord, I know that every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but You weigh the heart.8
I pray that You would give me a heart of compassion, kindness, and patience, that I might reflect Your love. Help me to refrain from judging by appearances, but rather to judge with right judgment,9 grounded in Your truth and grace. Thank You, Lord, for Your patience with me. May Your Holy Spirit continue to convict and guide me as I strive to walk in humility and love, extending the same mercy to others that You have so freely given to me, in Jesus’ name, Amen.