Judge Not, That You Be Not Judged

MONDAY MORNING COMMENTARY:

Culture has taken a stance throughout generations that being judgmental towards others is unacceptable. Even atheists agnostics and non religious groups will tell you that we have no right to judge one another. When we state that we don’t have the authority to judge others, we are in fact claiming there is One who does. What does Jesus and the scriptures teach us about this hard saying? 

Matthew 7:1-2 reads, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” The Bible here is clear that we are not to judge others and when we do we are impending judgment upon ourselves. Culture sometimes perceives Christians to be judgmental if they bring correction or show disapproval to certain stances or behaviors. However, Christians are called to live lives that are full of grace and truth. So what does it really mean to judge another person?

We judge others when
1. We are more enraged at someone else’s sin than we are embarrassed by our own.
2. We fail to forgive.
3. We cut off those who disagree with us.
4. We gossip.
5. We refuse to receive criticism.
6. We refuse to correct another’s position- not telling someone the truth is to say they are not worthy to know the truth or that we believe that they can’t change.
7. We write a person off as hopeless.

We walk in mercy when..
¥ We make prayer our main weapon
¥ We remain sensitive to what people can handle
¥ Seek conversion to Christ before persuasion to our point of view
¥ Adapt our message to the hearer
¥ Devote ourselves to listening before speaking
¥ We remain patient to the pace at which God is working in a person’s life
¥ Back out of destructive relationships
¥ Willing to sacrifice for others 

Are you dealing with unforgiveness? Are you struggling with judgmental thoughts to those around you? Find comfort that Jesus came not to condemn the word but to give His life a ransom for many. His mercy triumphs over judgment. His steadfast love is greater than your behavior. Let’s accept today that we are all sinners in need of God’s Son Jesus.