Saturday December 09th, 2023
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1“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.
2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.
3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eyes, when you have a log in your own?
4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye?
5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.
As Christians we must resist the urge to hastily take positions on both public and private issues without making proper findings.
It is very easy to judge others, even more so now with the advent of social media.
Though a crime suspect is yet to be pronounced guilty by a competent court, a lot of people would have made conclusions already about him/her especially if the suspects appearance portrays him/her as a criminal.
People are especially good at speaking out against things they find offensive.
Sadly, their focus may be on the person, instead of the action.
In Matthew 7:1-5, Jesus cautions us against judging others in a hypocritical way.
We shouldn’t be habitually critical of others when we need correction as well.
Only God’s judgements are flawless (John 8:15-16).
Don’t be quick to condemn someone else’s actions.
God is patient, but He would not overlook anyone’s disobedience (Romans 2:1-5).
Don’t attack people; be a good example for others (Romans 14:13).
While believers are not to condemn others, we are however not to ignore or condone sin.
There is a difference between the judgements in Matthew 7:2-5 and the righteous judgement that comes with discernment. John 7:24 CEV says:
“Don’t judge by appearances. Judge by what is right.”
If you see another believer falling into sin, you should confront the person in a respectful and loving way.
In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus teaches us to judge sin, not the sinner.
The ultimate goal of confronting a believer who is backsliding is so the individual can repent and abide.
Thus, when we judge sin, let it be done in meekness with the goal of repentance and reconciliation. This is the will of God (Galatians 6:1 ).
Application – John 7:24 Lamsa Bible (LB):
Do not judge by partiality, but judge a just judgment.
Author – Bishop Enoch. A. Adeboye.
Edited by Naomie
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