Abba Isaac of Thebes was in the monastery patio praying when he saw one of the monks commit a sin. Furious, he interrupted his prayers and condemned the fellow monk.

That night he was prevented from returning to his cell by an angel who said to him: "You condemned your brother, but you did not say what punishment we should inflict: The pains of hell? Some terrible disease in this life? Some torment in his family?"

Abba Isaac knelt down and asked for forgiveness: "I tossed the words in the air, and an angel heard them. I sinned by being irresponsible for what I said. Forget my critical words, Lord, and help me never again so to judge my brother."

Jesus says, in the Gospels, "Judge not, so not to be judged." He continues, "For with the judgment you give, you will be judged." Jesus is indicating a universal law of Nature. He is not saying, "Judge, and God will judge you." No, this he points to is a natural law. In essence he says, "Judge others, and you create the context that will bring judgment back to you."

As a spiritual guide, I have gotten many hate messages from persons who opposed my openness and message of Love. Recently, I got one. Though it would have deeply hurt and angered me in the past, I found joy and kindness in my heart toward the person. Jesus, also, said, "Rejoice when persons speak all kinds of evil things against you."

Through growing spiritually, we grow in love. In growing in love, we become less critical of others, and more forgiving. This is one of the joys of the spiritual Way and our maturing over time as beings of Grace.