Truth Month - July 2024
Day 30 - Before passing judgment, be sure to apply the same standard to yourself
A common misconception among non-Christians, and even many church goers, is that we are commanded to never judge others. Aren't we all just supposed to love and accept everyone as they are? Well, that is not really what Jesus taught at all.
Here is what he actually said,
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. (Matt. 7:1-5)
In context, it sure sounds like he actually expected us to make judgements, but called his followers to not be hypocritical about it. Scripture is filled with examples and admonitions to make spiritual judgements about many things. The actions and beliefs of others are fair game. Of course, this is not a license to seek and destroy people's lives by pointing out every flaw one can find, regardless of how that will affect them. The Bible is also very clear that we need to correct, rebuke, and teach others in such a way as to build them up or to restore them to fellowship. It is never to be done to intentionally harm someone or to just win an argument.
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