JUDGING OTHERS
“Judge not, that you be not judged.” Matthew 7:1 (ESV)
Jesus is NOT talking about Discernment
“Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” John 7:24 (ESV)
The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. 1 Corinthians 2:15 (ESV)
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.” Matthew 18:15 (ESV)
Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, Ephesians 4:15 (ESV)
“Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.” Zechariah 7:9-10 (ESV)
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What word does Jesus use?
Judge: κρίνω (krino)
Definition: to judge a person to be guilty and liable to punishment—‘to judge as guilty, to condemn, condemnation.’
“For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:2 (ESV)
Therefore, as I live, declares the Lord God, I will deal with you according to the anger and envy that you showed because of your hatred against them. And I will make myself known among them, when I judge you. Ezekiel 35:11 (ESV)
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Jesus IS talking about A Critical Spirit
“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” Matthew 7:3 (ESV)
“The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45 (ESV)
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Most importantly…Jesus IS talking about Hypocrisy
“Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye?’’ Matthew 7:4 (ESV)
Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. Romans 2:1 (ESV)
“You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:5 (ESV)
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Clear Vision brings Clear Correction
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Galatians 6:1 (ESV)
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” John 3:17–18 (ESV)
Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense,
but a man of understanding remains silent.
Proverbs 11:12 (ESV)
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:18–21 (ESV)
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Remember that God is the Judge…
Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. Romans 14:10 (ESV)
And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come…” Revelation 14:7a (ESV)
For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:12–13 (ESV)
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Use Good Judgement
“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.” Matthew 7:6
Action Steps
- Stop judging.
Where am I quick to judge? What things get under my skin easily?
- Start examining.
Who have I been judgmental towards recently? What anger or resentment am I holding on to? Who might I need to reconcile with?
- Start praying to God our Judge.
Ask God to help you love others. Ask God to help you to believe the best and give others the benefit of the doubt. Pray over your enemies. Release to God the places of judgment.
- Start transforming.
Start experiencing the joy-filled life that God wants for you. Become a person of peace. Be known as someone who is loving. Be a blessing to others.
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