Speaking About Others
Main Idea
The lecture addresses the sin of speaking about others or judgment, considering it one of the most widespread and dangerous sins, because it is a compound sin that includes lack of love, harshness, injustice, and pride.
Spiritual and Educational Dimension
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that judgment is an intrusion into God’s work, because God alone is the Judge. Whoever judges others places himself in God’s position and forgets his own weaknesses and sins.
Aspects of the Sin of Judgment
- Judgment reveals absence of love, because one who loves does not expose or defame others.
- Judgment carries cruelty of heart and lack of mercy.
- Judgment is injustice, because it condemns without knowing circumstances or hearing defense.
Biblical Warning
The lecture refers to teachings from the Apostles and Scripture warning against judging others, because all will stand before the judgment seat of Christ, and each one will give an account of himself.
Dangers of Judgment
Judgment removes grace from a person due to pride, exposes him to falling into the same or other sins, damages his reputation, harms listeners, injures the judged person, and angers God.
Ways of Healing
- Humility and remembering one’s own sins.
- Avoiding gatherings of judgment or wisely changing the direction of conversation.
- Seeking the white points in others instead of focusing on their falls.
- Praying for the salvation of others instead of condemning them.
The Supreme Example
Christ’s dealings with sinners show that He came to save, not to judge, calling humanity to imitate Him in mercy, covering faults, compassion, and caring for the salvation of souls.
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