On Judging Others

Jesus said, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. ² For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.


³ “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? ⁴ How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? ⁵ You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.:  (Matthew 7:1-5)



I saw this quote the other day, "Don't judge me for the choices I've made until you understand why I made them."  I can't remember where I saw it, but it stuck with me.  I believe the Christian application would be this - "Instead of judging me, get to know me, understand me, and build a relationship that can lead me to Christ/rebuild my relationship with Christ."  I was reminded of Matthew 7:1-5 where Jesus confronts the hypocritical judgment that puts others down in order to build up oneself.  What is cool is that the book, The Prodigal God,  I'm reading also touches on this very topic.  

I must say that have I been guilty of  judging others. It's mostly unintentional, but that doesn't excuse me from doing so.  In fact, if we are honest with ourselves, I think we all have judged others at some point in time - and - I guarantee we've been judged by others as well.

Matthew 7, Jesus isn't telling us to overlook bad behavior or things that are wrong.  Instead, he is saying we are to be discerning. I like what my NLT Bible commentary says concerning Matthew 7:1-5, "Jesus' statement...is a call to be discerning rather than negative.  Jesus said to expose false prophets (7:15-23), and Paul taught that we should exercise church discipline (1 Corinthians 5:1,2), and trust God to be the final Judge (1 Corinthians 4:3-5).  


Discernment helps us to recognize, understand and respond to God's will.  Discernment requires us being in tune with God, making us sensitive to God's timing. Discernment helps us to be sensitive to and respond to the needs of others as well. Discernment helps us see truth from that which is false.  Discernment does not pass negative judgement on others - it helps us lovingly correct others when needed - even if that process requires tough love.  

Truth is, we often have no idea what is going on in the lives of others - the pain, suffering, or difficult circumstances they are facing or have faced.  Therefore, we are in no position to judge.  


Hurt and wounded people need Christ not our negative judgment.    


Bottom line, I need to leave the judging up to God. Besides, I'm pretty messed up as well...so I am in no position to judge someone else!


Praying for a humble, discerning heart.  And when I am the victim of judgement, I pray that God would help me to respond in love and that He would work on the heart of the one passing judgement.


Peace!
In His Love, Cathy