Why Judging Someone Forgiven by the Father

Forgiveness is one of the deepest forms of grace within human existence. This is to say that when a person is forgiven by the Father, whether it is for some personal misfortune or grave moral failure, redemption, transformation, and change have occurred. Yet too often, society chooses judgment over this and holds on to mistakes of the past, refusing to recognize what forgiveness can do.

Judging someone who has been forgiven by both God and the person they wronged isn’t just unproductive—it’s a reflection of our own lack of empathy and understanding. In this article, we’ll explore why this behavior is damaging, the spiritual and social implications of judgment, and actionable ways to approach forgiveness and grace in our lives.

The Power of Divine Forgiveness

God's forgiveness is never revisited. Scripture repeats the idea of completeness regarding divine forgiveness. God wipes the slate clean so that individuals can start their lives anew, free from feelings of guilt and shame.

Biblical Insight: Psalm 103:12 says, "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us."

God's forgiveness is neither conditional nor partial; it is absolute. To judge anyone whom He has forgiven is to question the very foundation of grace.

Why Do People Judge Those Who Have Been Forgiven?

1. Human Nature's Resistance to Letting Go

The tendency to hold onto someone else's past mistakes often emanates from an inability to let go. We use judgment as a means to elevate ourselves or avoid confrontation with our own flaws.

Example: A community may never take back a person from prison in their midst, though he or she has been genuinely contrite and had turned his or her life around.

2. Misconception about Forgiveness

People mistake forgiveness for overlooking or bygones. Actually, forgiveness acknowledges the wrong, but it would rather not condemn than to love and extend grace.

Example: This may mean that outsiders continue to hold grudges on behalf of someone who has forgiven their cheating partner, even if the injured party has moved on to reconcile.

3. Society's Emphasis on Punishment

Cultural values align with punishment in place of redemption or reformation. In this vein, it opens up people to being continuously judged after they have repented.

Example: Public figures apologizing for past wrongdoing are commonly still judged, regardless of how they might have grown or changed in light of that mistake.

The Dangers of Judgment

1. Minimizing the Power of Forgiveness

Judging someone after they have been forgiven devalues the power of grace to transform. It builds a culture where forgiveness is not valued and growth is not encouraged.

2. Shame and Isolation

Judgment often sends people back into their shame, never fully embracing a second chance.

Example: A person in recovery from addiction may continue to be judged by friends or family, which can make it much more difficult for them to stay on the right path.

3. Reflective of a Hardened Heart

Judging the forgiven is more indicative of the judge than of the person judged. It speaks volumes about the judge's lack of compassion and refusal to adopt the spirit of forgiveness.

Why Forgiveness Is a Shared Responsibility

When someone is forgiven—whether by God, a loved one, or the person they’ve wronged—it becomes our responsibility to honor that forgiveness. Here’s why:

1. We Are All Flawed

None of us are without sin, and holding others to a higher standard than we hold ourselves is both hypocritical and unjust.

Biblical Insight: John 8:7 reminds us, "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone."

2. Forgiveness Models Divine Grace

When we honor forgiveness, we reflect God's grace in our actions, creating a culture of empathy and understanding.

3. Judgment Blocks Healing

Forgiveness is meant to heal both the forgiver and the forgiven. Judgment reopens wounds, making it harder for everyone involved to move forward.

Actionable Tips for Embracing Forgiveness and Letting Go of Judgment

1. Practice Self-Reflection

Before you judge another, check your own heart. Ask yourself why you need to judge and if it is aligned with grace and compassion.

Action Tip: When you are tempted to judge, take a moment to reflect on times you've needed forgiveness.

2. Honor the Forgiveness of Others

If the person wronged has forgiven the individual, respect their choice. They have the most right to hold a grievance, and if they've moved on, so should you.

Action Tip: Reframe your perspective by focusing on the strength it takes to forgive.

3. Focus on Personal Growth

Channel the energy used to judge others into bettering your life. Use their story of redemption to inspire your journey.

Action Step: Journal on areas in your life where you would like to see growth or forgiveness, and take active steps to make it happen.

4. Extend Grace into Your Community

Be an advocate for second chances. Encourage others to let go of judgment and support those who have been forgiven.

Action Step: Share stories of redemption and forgiveness to inspire empathy and understanding in your circles.

Lessons from Forgiveness: A Call to Grace

By judging the ones who have been forgiven, we act against the very principle of love and grace. Forgiveness reminds us that no mistake is irredeemable and that everyone deserves a second chance to rebuild his or her life.

By choosing compassion over judgment, we not only uphold the power of forgiveness but also contribute to a more understanding and supportive society. Let us remember that forgiveness is a gift-one which we all hope to receive and should be eager to extend to others.

Conclusion: Embrace Forgiveness, Reject Judgment

Judging someone who has already been forgiven is not only unnecessary-it's counterproductive. It perpetuates negativity and undermines the transformative power of grace. Instead, let's choose to honor forgiveness, support redemption, and embrace the imperfections that make us all human.

True strength lies not in holding onto the past but in allowing others-and ourselves-the freedom to grow beyond it.

FAQ

Q1: Why is it wrong to judge someone who has been forgiven?

Judging a person who has been forgiven is an undermining of the power of grace and a reflection of a lack of compassion. It is also against the very important principle of second chances.

Q2: How can I stop judging others?

Practice self-reflection, focusing on personal growth, and remind yourself of times you've needed forgiveness. Surround yourself with stories of redemption to foster empathy.

Q3: What should I do if others are judging someone I've forgiven?

Encourage open discussion about forgiveness, share your thoughts, and remind them that judgment only keeps the negativity going.

But you know how it goes, let a fool dig their own grave!