JUDGING
OTHERS
The
sermon on the Mount has always been a portion of the
scriptures in which the Lord Jesus Christ covers every aspect of life and
living. From how to handle money, relationships, spiritual
life, our testimony and how to walk uprightly. The list goes on and I
highly recommend you take time to read these chapters. (Matthew 5-7)
In
this article I would like to look at a few verses which are found in the
beginning of Matthew chapter 7. They say the following:
Matthew 7:1-5
1“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.
Before
we begin let me say that quite often I find my own heart to be judgmental of
others. I often will jump to conclusions and speak before I know all the
details. I have a friend of mine who often has told me “be curious” when you
come into any situation. This means, ask questions with pure intent as to be
able to discern in any given situation.
These
verses are here to assist us. All of us are guilty at some time in our lives of
being judgmental, it is only by God’s gracious help
that we can overcome the temptation of judging others unnecessarily.
Other
versions of this passage begins with the “Hypocrite”.
That is a strong word but it certainly conveys the seriousness of this issue.
This word is used in verse 5.
First
of all we must realize that the Lord Jesus was addressing the Pharisees and
their practice of judging others when they themselves were guilty of the very
things they judged. They were also specifically judging the Lord Jesus because
He had not promised the kind of kingdom they were searching for. They found Him
to be inadequate and the Pharisees were looking for someone that would support
their religious perspective, not challenge it.
Secondly,
the scripture here does not say that we should not judge. In fact it specifies
in the end of verse 5 that we are permitted to remove “speck in our brothers eye”. Many, including myself have swung to the
point where we don’t say anything to people because we don’t want to judge or
be considered judgmental people. I believe this passage is for both sides of
the issue.
The
main message is clear. Before we proceed with correcting another individual, we
are to search our own lives to see if we have something that is as great or a
greater sin that is hindering us.
I
suggest there are three things we can do to help us in this process.
Go
to God first and fix your own issue first - Psalm 139:23-24 says: “Search me, God, and know my
heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.24 See if there is any offensive
way in me, and lead me in the way
everlasting.”
Use
God’s word as the standard and guide to address issues. Do not rely just on
your own opinion. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is
useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so
that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Have
the right attitude as you approach any situation - Ephesians 4:2 “Be completely
humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
By:
David Jones