Matthew 7:1-6

Jesus Teaches about Criticizing Others

 

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.

 

6 Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs.

 

If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces."

What Jesus Says about Criticizing Others

What is all this about a plank and a speck? Human beings have an uncanny talent to see themselves differently than they see others. For instance, let's say you are engaged in a conversation with a person who swears every other word you can do one of three things...

1. You can ignore the swearing and pretend you don't hear the language he or she is using.

2. You can point out that you really don't care for the language he is using which can have its own consequences.

3. You can start swearing yourself to try to fit in with the conversation.

The Tables Turned

There is no easy answer to this situation. But, if you choose option number three and join in the swearing, prepare to be judged. He may remark to you or his friends & family that this "Christian" was cussing like a sailor while not seeing himself as being insensitive to you.

What Did Christ Mean?

Jesus' statement, 'Do not judge,' is speaking against the kind of hypocritical, judgmental attitude that tears others down in order to build oneself up. It is not a blanket statement against all critical thinking, but a call to be discerning rather than negative.

Jesus said to expose false teachers (7:15-23), and Paul taught that we should exercise church discipline (1 Corinthians 5:1,2) and trust God to be the final Judge (1 Corinthians 4:3-5).

Our Judgment

Let's not invite judgment on ourselves in the future - take the time to count to ten before judging someone else. d:-)

Love in Christ

- Bob

Matthew 6:1-4 - Jesus Teaches about Giving to the Needy