A few years ago, I was studying Matthew chapter seven while on vacation. I noticed the bible mentioned to judge not, lest we also be judged with the same measure of judgment. However, the Bible also instructs us to judge righteously. As I was in study, I began to question why God would tell us not to judge while also teaching us to judge. To the naked and unobservant eye, it can appear as if God is contradicting Himself. I can even go a bit further and say, to some, it can seem as if God’s will for men is not to judge anyone, and to others, God wants us to judge the appearance of men. However, though these two verses can appear to contradict, it’s not. On the contrary, these verses are fulfilling the will of God, even simultaneously. To judge and not to judge is what we’ll be covering in this blog. Matthew 7:1-3 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?” Matthew 7:1-3 instructs us not to judge unless we’ll be judged by the same measure of judgment. This scripture is what nearly everyone quotes and reference when they say, ‘don’t judge me’ or ‘who are you to judge.’ The truth of the matter is, who are you not to judge? As co-heirs and ambassadors of Christ, we are made just a little lower than the angels and instructed to judge our brothers and sisters in love while leading them to salvation (see 1 Corinthians 6:1-5, Pro 31:9, and John 7:24). How we judge, is what this scripture is making a reference towards. If we look closely, we’ll see that Matthew 7:2 say: for with ‘What judgment’ you judge, you’ll be judged and with the ‘measure’ you use, it will be measured back to you. The ‘what judgment’ and the ‘measure’ portion of this scripture refers to the magnitude of ones’ heart. Luke 6:45 tells us that, out of the abundance of the man’s heart, so he’ll speak. When ‘judging,’ correcting or even pointing out a flaw in an individual, first ask yourself in what spirit are you delivering your message? Are you speaking out of revenge, anger, strife or jealousy, or are you speaking, in love, care or concern? The contents of your heart will dictate the manner, in which you are judging, critiquing or even speaking and interacting with others. Whether your heart is pure or bitter when conversing with others, that same manner will be given to you on the Day of Judgement. We all know the saying, if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all – this is something we all should take into consideration when interacting with others. Our words can either lead others astray, or it can draw others closer to God. Our words have weight; we can either speak with honey or speak with poison. Let’s be intentional about our interactions and the motives in our heart. Let’s begin by not speaking out of pride, hate or the like but instead speaking and judging out of love, care, and concern. Dear Heavenly Father, In Jesus’ name, I acknowledge that I have sinned. I ask that you forgive my sins and trespasses. Lord, I also ask that you help me acknowledge You in all that I do. Jesus, I ask that you come into my heart and be Lord over my life. Father, your Word in Romans 10:9-10 says, ‘that if I confess with my mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in my heart that YOU have raised Him from the dead, then I will be saved.’ So Father, with my mouth I confess and with my heart I believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins and that you raised Him from the dead so that I may live. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen. Lastly, if you said this prayer and have dedicated your life to Christ (or back) by faith you are saved! I would love to hear from you and help keep you accountable in your journey. Click HERE to share the good news! 😊
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