Matthew 7  “Do not judge lest you be judged.”   We are reminded of this verse.. especially when someone disagrees with our judging!   Sometimes we are harsh in our judgements.. sometimes I think that we don’t really mean to judge.. but our mouths open without fully thinking through what we are saying.. and our hearts are in need of sanctification..  

Either way we need to understand what Jesus was teaching here.  The word “judge” has many possible meanings in the original language.. It can mean to separate, to put asunder, to pick out, select, or choose. It can mean to approve, esteem or prefer. It may mean to state our opinion.. or to determine or resolve… It could be meant to censure or to pass judgment.  It can also mean to condemn, avenge, or subject to punishment.  Over all.. it implies that those who judge are those who claim power over those they subject to their judgement. It comes from pride.. not from humility. 

Jesus said, “For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.” 

Jesus gives an example of this in Matthew 23:14 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you devour widows’ houses, even while for a pretense you make long prayers; therefore you shall receive the greater condemnation.”   They measured out judgement against the poor and needy.. acting like they were better and exhibiting power over them.. but the judgement against them, Jesus says,  would be from God’s hand.. a “greater condemnation” . 

Jesus tells us how to deal with this kind of attitude in ourselves.. we must  examine ourselves.. “take the speck out of your eye”… Make sure to see clearly.. Notice your own imperfections.  Don’t be a hypocrite, pretending to be righteous.  Don’t put others down to make yourself look better.  Choose to help your brother or sister who might be dealing with an issue.. but help without passing judgement.  It is not up to us to condemn another. 

Father in heaven,  forgive us our trespasses, our debts, our sins, our judgements.. and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  We are in need of Your judgement.. to discern our deepest needs and to bring them to the foot of the cross.  Thank You for seeing our hearts and revealing Yourself to us in all truth and grace… that we might repent and find new life in Christ Jesus who is the Judge of all. Lead us in Your paths, Lord God. Remove the attitude of pride and self-righteousness.  May we humbly come alongside others to carry their burdens and love them in their need.  Come Lord Jesus and live out Your life in us today. Amen.