James and judgment

I admit that I struggle, and struggle often, with judgment.

James was doing a good job of kicking my butt this morning in regards to judging others.

It's something that I need to be kicked in the teeth on, it's something that's not good at all.

The most convicting part:
Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor? (James 4:11-12 ESV)

Basically, I am playing God when I judge others. I set myself up on a throne to determine who and who is not worthy of mercy, grace and compassion.

Jesus was very clear about judging others. (Matthew 7:1-6)

How dare I judge. How dare I even remotely try to act or take duties reserved for God. How dare I do something that Jesus explicitly said "do not..."

I'm thankful for James 2:12-13 that encourages me to be quick to be merciful, rather than quick to judge:
So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

I'm also thankful for the real people in my life who model that. My girlfriend and one of my roommates in particular, are modeling and teaching me, although I am stubborn and slow to learn, how mercy over judgment is such a better way to treat others and love your neighbor. I don't consider that they're perfect at it, but they offer such a fresh example that points in the right direction of mercy triumphing over judgment.

They apparently have been listening to what James has to say about judgment.