COMPASSION, NOT CONDEMNATION

6/9/2025

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”— Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

One of the clearest signs that a person is still dominated by the flesh is a critical spirit—always finding fault, always assuming the worst, always quick to condemn. This is not the Spirit of Christ. The flesh thrives in criticism, but the Spirit thrives in restoration.

“How can a Christian have a critical spirit?” you may ask. It happens when a person stops submitting to the Word of God. Ephesians 2:2 warns us that the spirit of disobedience works in those who follow the world’s ways. A judgmental attitude is not neutral—it is a gateway for demonic influence.

Even when someone has clearly done wrong, the Word commands us to: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance... Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”— Colossians 3:13–14 (NIV) Love doesn’t rejoice in the fall of others. Love restores. Even when the news is accurate, the reaction of a child of God must be: compassion, not condemnation.

Be intentional about what you allow into your spirit. Don’t entertain gossip, especially about fellow believers. Those conversations are dangerous—they plant seeds of bitterness and open doors to manipulation. Evil spirits travel through critical words. “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.”— Matthew 7:1 (NLT)

Instead of criticizing, pray. Instead of mocking, restore. Speak life, not death. Surround yourself with people who see the good in others, who choose love over cynicism, who carry burdens—not spread them.

You are not judgmental. You are not cynical. You are a new creation in Christ, and your words should bring healing, not harm. Let your heart be soft, your words seasoned with grace, and your eyes fixed on the redemptive potential in others.

Faith-Filled Confession

I will refrain from passing judgment on others. I will extend the grace, love, and mercy of Christ. I will allow the love of Christ to be my motivation in all things. I will see others through the eyes of Jesus and speak words that build, heal, and restore, in Jesus’ name. Amen.