Judging Others - Matthew 7
Judging Others
7 “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.
6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
Reflection: Now Jesus turns to the matter of how we are supposed treat one another as we live life in the kingdom. He exposes the Pharisees method of being harsh in their judgment, while living untransformed lives themselves. They were nitpicky about others actions, while having hearts of coal. While there is a place in the Christian community for reproving or admonishing each other, those who do this need to be sure it is coming from a heart of love, not pride. The inside of their cup needs to be clean, not just the exterior.
And don't we find that some of the most judgmental people are also the most deficient in their own character formation. And those who have sufficient formation in Christ, usually admonish in humility as they know deep in their hearts that it is only by the grace of God that they have matured spiritually. As we relate to others the most helpful rule is to make the best possible construction of our neighbor's actions. Instead of assuming the worst, so that we feel better about ourselves, try assuming the most charitable construction on their behalf. It works. And it is in line with the New Testament teaching that those who have received mercy, should give the same mercy to others. After all the forgiveness and mercy we have received through Christ, do we really want to throw the Law book at our neighbor?
And to help us to avoid this behavior Jesus gives the disciples a warning. Those who like to judge will be judged in the same manner that they judge. I don't know about you, but I would prefer grace and mercy over judgment anytime. So I guess it all depends on how we want to be judged. If we want to be judged by the letter of the law, the bible says we are all guilty. But yet in His great mercy God sent His only Son from heaven not to condemn the world but save it. Thanks be to God!
Jesus help us not judge others lest we be judged in like manner. As we have received your mercy and grace at the cross, let us extend that same mercy to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Amen.
7 “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.
6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
Reflection: Now Jesus turns to the matter of how we are supposed treat one another as we live life in the kingdom. He exposes the Pharisees method of being harsh in their judgment, while living untransformed lives themselves. They were nitpicky about others actions, while having hearts of coal. While there is a place in the Christian community for reproving or admonishing each other, those who do this need to be sure it is coming from a heart of love, not pride. The inside of their cup needs to be clean, not just the exterior.
And don't we find that some of the most judgmental people are also the most deficient in their own character formation. And those who have sufficient formation in Christ, usually admonish in humility as they know deep in their hearts that it is only by the grace of God that they have matured spiritually. As we relate to others the most helpful rule is to make the best possible construction of our neighbor's actions. Instead of assuming the worst, so that we feel better about ourselves, try assuming the most charitable construction on their behalf. It works. And it is in line with the New Testament teaching that those who have received mercy, should give the same mercy to others. After all the forgiveness and mercy we have received through Christ, do we really want to throw the Law book at our neighbor?
And to help us to avoid this behavior Jesus gives the disciples a warning. Those who like to judge will be judged in the same manner that they judge. I don't know about you, but I would prefer grace and mercy over judgment anytime. So I guess it all depends on how we want to be judged. If we want to be judged by the letter of the law, the bible says we are all guilty. But yet in His great mercy God sent His only Son from heaven not to condemn the world but save it. Thanks be to God!
Jesus help us not judge others lest we be judged in like manner. As we have received your mercy and grace at the cross, let us extend that same mercy to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Amen.
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