People who don’t even believe the Bible often cite Matthew 7:1: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” More commonly, “Don’t judge!” In culture today, this is one of the most pervasive values. It means tolerating anything and everything. It means the acceptance of any almost any belief, value, and behavior. There is no right and no wrong because no one has the right to judge another. This is played out on social media, in the news, at the Capitol, in our schools, wherever you see people disagreeing. And sadly, Christians have been labeled as the biggest violators when it comes to being judgmental. Many who want nothing to do with the church say it’s because of those claiming to be Christians who hypocritically judge others. This is a complicated verse and certainly was never intended to be taken out of context. And most would agree that there are many times when judgement is necessary. Doesn’t a teacher have the freedom to grade their students’ assignments, a police officer have the duty to issue a ticket for illegal behavior, and each of us expect to eat our favorite flavor of ice cream without being judged?

Scriptures – Matthew 7:1-5; Romans 2:1, 4; John 7:24; 1 Corinthians 5:12-13; Galatians 6:1-2

Verses – “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. (Mt 7:1-2 NIV) Why do you stare at the splinter in your neighbor’s eye, but ignore the plank in our own? How can you say to your neighbor, ‘Here—let me get that splinter out of your eye,’ when you’ve got the plank in your own? You’re just play-acting! First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you’ll see clearly enough to take the splinter out of your neighbor’s eye.” (Mt 7:3-5 NTE)

Thought – The verses that precede Jesus’ statement clarify his meaning. He was calling out the hypocrisy of the religious leaders who were passing judgement on others. The verses following his statement, indicate that judgement should never be made without first looking closely at oneself and one’s own motives. Don’t attempt to remove a speck from someone else’s eye while having a plank in your own. It makes the point! Other verses indicate that judgement should not be made based on appearance (Jn 7:24). You don’t know everything, and those who quickly judge based on appearance are usually uninformed. Often the area where a person issues the harshest judgement indicates the area of sin in their own heart. Not dealing with your own sin may lead to self-loathing, denial and cause you to become extremely judgmental toward similar sin. Also, don’t judge those outside the church. They cannot be held to Biblical values and standards; they don’t know Jesus. God will judge them (1 Co 5:12-13). However, within the family of faith we are called to help those who are struggling, to restore them gently, bear their burdens. You should point out what may be a pitfall and help them from falling away. However, it must be done with grace and truth. Grace first, then truth! Also, remember to be open and receptive to the guidance of others in your life. Be thankful for those who are willing to hold you accountable!

Questions – How are expressing your beliefs and pronouncing judgment different? Do your friends and family respect your values based on your Christian faith? How about coworkers? How have appearances wrongly influenced your judgement? Give an example. Have you ever approached a fellow Christian about sin in their life? How did that go? How can you know that you need to call someone into accountability?

Response – Show grace to those who are far from God. Show grace to those within the family of faith. Make sure you have a few Christian friends who hold each other accountable. 

Prayer – Dear Lord, you alone are the Righteous Judge. Thank you for extending grace, love, and forgiveness to me. Help me to love others as you have loved me. May my words and actions bring glory to you and encourage others to receive your salvation and to grow in Christ. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.