“Judge not, that you be not judged…” Matthew 7:1

Planks and Specks

In Matthew 7, Jesus tells me not to judge. I take it that He does not mean that I should not make distinctions, but rather that I should not judge another with a critical eye that assumes I am somehow better than they or that this person is worthy of my condemnation. After all, who am I? Who left me in charge? My judgment is presumptuous.

I understand why He tells me not to judge in this harsh spirit. I would be holding another to high standards which I myself find impossible to live up to. I often can’t live up to my own standards such as diet or exercise or speaking graciously instead of whining and complaining. Only Jesus was perfect and holy and always pleasing to the Father. So, if I can’t live up to my own standards, much less His, who am I to sit in judgment of another who also cannot accomplish those things?  Therefore, this judgment of mine is hypocritical.

When I run into these situations where I begin to scrutinize someone else’s behavior or weakness, my response should not be judgment but self-examination.  Do I do these very same things? It’s odd how sin looks so much better in my life than theirs! Have I done these things in my past and now think I am more righteous than they, forgetting the grace that saved me? Am I myself capable of this sin that I so unmercifully judge in others? The heart of man is deceitful and we are all capable of the most hideous thoughts and deeds. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)

My response should be empathy and compassion. And if by some grace I have overcome in a specific area, I should come alongside my fellow traveler and comfort, counsel, and encourage them in their battle.

All I can offer is God’s grace—not judgment.

“Father, I am wholly dependent on Your righteousness to me through Jesus. Jesus is the only righteousness I see. May I be patient and understanding of the struggle against sin that others are waging and recognize Your grace working in them even as You are working in me. Thank You for Jesus who knows each heart’s motive. Amen.”