Pride is something all believers wrestle with—often without realizing it. In today’s culture of public opinion and online debate, it’s easy to express strong views about others. But too often, our judgments—whether on social media, at work, or in family conversations—are rooted not in biblical truth, but in personal pride.
So what is pride? It can be defined as:
A sense of one’s own dignity or value Satisfaction taken in one’s achievements or associations Arrogant or haughty behavior or mindset
But there’s another side to pride that the Bible warns against: a self-righteous attitude that forgets our own need for grace. Scripture reminds us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Yet we often pass judgment on others—politicians, celebrities, ministries, or sinners caught in public shame—forgetting that we ourselves are sinners in need of mercy.
Jesus warned us, “Everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment…and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to hell” (Matthew 5:22). Later in that same sermon, He said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you… so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:44–45). These aren’t suggestions; they are commands.
We may think we’re righteous for condemning sinful lifestyles like sexual immorality, violence, or corruption—and we are called to speak truth—but we must never forget what Jesus also said: “But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28). God sees the heart, not just the actions. Silent sins of the mind—bitterness, lust, arrogance—are just as serious as outward behavior.
Imagine Jesus appearing to you and asking, “What should I do with all the sinners you despise?” If our immediate response is, “Destroy them!” rather than “Have mercy, Lord, and soften their hearts to repentance,” we may be revealing more about our own spiritual condition than theirs. This is exactly what happened to King David in 2 Samuel 12. He judged a sinful man in a story—only to discover he had condemned himself.
Jesus warns us plainly in Matthew 7:1–2:
“Do not judge, so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged, and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.”
Does this mean we shouldn’t discern right from wrong? No. Scripture does command us to judge with righteous judgment (John 7:24). That kind of judgment is based not on personal bias, but on God’s Word and the humility that comes from knowing we too are saved by grace alone.
Jesus also said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy” (Matthew 5:7). We must be quick to pray for others—especially our enemies and those caught in sin—asking God to intervene, convict, and save. But we must also pray for ourselves, that we would be vessels of mercy and truth, not instruments of condemnation.
We are called to “work out our salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). That includes resisting the temptation to speak or act out of pride—even when we think we’re defending truth. Paul reminded the Galatians, “If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself” (Galatians 6:3).
And as Jesus warned, “Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end is the one who will be saved” (Matthew 24:12–13). To endure is to keep loving, keep forgiving, and keep doing good—even to those we think deserve wrath.
If God only extended kindness to those who were already holy, none of us would receive His mercy. Yet He sends rain and sunlight on both the righteous and the wicked (Matthew 5:45). Should we not also reflect that same mercy?
Someone might say, “Well, I’m not Jesus.” True—but Jesus said, “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). That means walking in humility, loving our enemies, and praying for all—especially those still far from the truth.
So let us guard our hearts from pride. Let us test our words and judgments, and walk with compassion. May we pray not only for others to be changed—but for our own hearts to be transformed daily by the Spirit of God.
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