Group LaunchSample

One of the most difficult things that gets in the way of an amazing group is the judgment we pass on the people around us. When we feel judged we shut down, we retreat, and we become apathetic to the idea of having authentic community. When we pass judgement on people we get ensnared with pride, self-righteousness, and we build a wall around our own lives, isolating ourselves from the life-giving relationships Jesus so desperately wants us to live in. 

It is so difficult to separate our lives from judgment when we see it all around us every day. American Idol, America’s Got Talent, Dancing with Stars, The Bachelor and The Bachelorette are all shows where you get judged for every move you make. But what would it look like in your life if you could walk into an environment once a week with a dozen people, having 100% confidence that you can be yourself and wouldn’t be judged for it? Wouldn’t that be life-giving? 

Paul urged the Christians at Thessalonica to trust in Jesus to increase and overflow their hearts with love for each other. Maybe we need to lean in a little bit as well and ask Jesus to help change our heart to be more like His.

Questions:

Has there ever been a time in your life where you felt judged? How did that impact you?

Do you struggle with passing judgement on other people? Why do you think you struggle with passing judgment?