In The Word
Read: Matthew 7:1-12
Judging Others
7 “Do not judge so that you will not be judged. 2 For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye? 5 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.
6 “Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
Prayer and the Golden Rule
7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!
12 “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
Here, we see our Lord teaching that we ought not to judge someone else when we are living in a way that has been judged by God. It brings to mind the story of King David and Nathan the prophet. Nathan gave King David a matter to judge, and King David was harsh in his judgment, not knowing he was judging himself. King David was called to make many judgments concerning his subjects to help solve problems, bring justice, direct change, and bring peace. However, as long as he was not living up to those standards himself, he had no right to help others live up to them. That’s why our Lord said, “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.” Here, we see the essence of what Christ has called us to do. There is no need to judge someone living in a way that is wrong, because they have already been judged by the Word. Our job is to show people that they are walking in the wrong way by using the Word to remind them of truth. We are here to save them from judgment, not to be the judge. We are not fit to do this if we are living in a sinful way ourselves. Our lives are called to bear witness of the truth and, if need be, to correct, rebuke, and exhort with patience according to the pure doctrine (2 Timothy 4:2). If I was walking in sinful behavior, I would desire that someone point it out to me, in love, with the intent of rescuing me, not destroying me. If we ask God to help us keep the right heart in dealing with others, He will give us grace to treat others as we wish to be treated.