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Criticism Not Our Work, August 15
Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge,
ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be
measured to you again.
Matthew 7:1, 2
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Our bodies are built up from what we eat and drink; and the character
of our spiritual experience depends on what our minds feed upon and
assimilate. By continually dwelling upon the mistakes and defects of
others, many become religious dyspeptics.... Those who are so busy in
dissecting the words and acts of others, to discover all that is objectionable,
fail to discern the good and pleasant things. They do not eat of the proper
food to promote spiritual vitality and healthy growth.
The Lord is not pleased with His people when they neglect to criticize
their own soul, criticizing others instead. This is Satan’s work. When
you do this work, remember that the enemy is using you as a means of
tempting others, in order that those who should be united in harmony and
joy, building up one another in the most holy faith, shall be warring and
complaining because some one else is sinning. Christ has not made you a
sin bearer. You cannot even bear your own sin. Therefore be very careful
not to take up any reproach against your neighbor. God wants His people
to be free.... Shall we not remember that by the words we speak we may
either wound or heal? Shall we not remember that as we judge, so we
shall be judged, we who perhaps have had many more opportunities than
those whom we judge?
Our hearts must be melted into tenderness and love for one another.
We may criticize ourselves just as severely as we please. The one who
criticizes another gives evidence that he is the very one who needs to
criticize himself. Pray God to show you what you must remove from
yourselves in order that you may see the kingdom of God....
There is a crown for the overcomer. Do you want it? Do you want
to run the race with patience? Then do not seek to find something to
condemn in your neighbor, but look right to Jesus Christ. Behold His
purity, and you will be charmed and will reflect His likeness.
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