Judge Not!

For Tuesday, February 7, 2023:

Matthew 7:1-2 NLT, Jesus speaking: “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.”

As Jesus continues his Sermon On the Mount, he moves from our interior spiritual life to our interactions with others. Those who do not know the Bible love to lift “Do not judge...” out of context, resulting in an incorrect interpretation. There’s a fine line between being discerning and being judgmental. Of course we are to determine right from wrong and good from evil. That’s what God wants his children to do as they grow closer to him!

But the Pharisees and Scribes had made their life’s work the judgment of others, and that’s wrong. They maintained a complete list of God’s commandments, and their mission had become one of catching people doing something wrong. Their joy came from pontificating and enforcing the laws. Jesus called them hypocrites who totally missed the instructions about kindness and loving your neighbor.

Jesus said, “The measure you give will be the measure you get back.” “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive others.” Kindness will be repaid with kindness, evil with evil. So think about it: Being kind actually benefits you!

We should not judge an entire life only by its worst moments.

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship