The other day I saw a post from a friend who said he just heard the Pope say not to judge and leave all judging to God. Which, he agreed to.
Here it is in the Bible, Jesus’ words…
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” -Matthew 7:1
But… Is that what Jesus really meant when he said not to judge or you will be judged?
Whelp, let’s read a little more of the passage.
“For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” -Matthew 7:2
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged. Hmm… it’s sure looking that way, but wait! There’s more!
“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? 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? 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.” -Matthew 7:3-5
What does Jesus mean here when it comes to judging? What he’s talking about here is the hypocritical judgment used to bring oneself up, while tearing someone else down.
One thing I’ve noticed in myself is… When I judge someone (with the wrong motives) it’s usually me judging them about the things I hate about myself. Have you ever noticed that too?
Now what Jesus does say about judging in John 7:24 is, “Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment.”
Even the Apostle Paul says, “What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. ‘Expel the wicked man from among you.'” (1 Corinthians 5:12)
When it comes to judgment, what we are to do is confront those who are sinning, and never think that you are better than someone else.
Just remember, be sure you’re making a right judgment while not having a hypocritical, judgmental attitude.
Thoughts? Feel free to comment below and let me know your thoughts on judging.
Keep spreading the Word!