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“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. --- Matthew 7:1-2 Jesus tells us to examine our own motives and conduct instead of judging others. The traits that bother us in others are often the habits we have ourselves. Our bad habits and behavior patterns are the very ones that we most want to change in others. Do you find it easy to magnify others’ faults while excusing your own? If you are ready to criticize someone, check to see if you deserve the same criticism. Judge yourself first, and then lovingly forgive and help your neighbor. Life Application Study Bible notes Prayer Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that I need this lesson every day of my life. I pray that You keep me from being critical and negative about others. I know when we are unfairly harsh to others, we are setting the standard by which God will judge us. Father, I ask You to judge me favorably. Help me to look lovingly on others and to judge them favorably. Thank You for being so rich and free with Your mercy and grace lavished on me. Please help me to be more gracious and merciful to others in the same way. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen