Judge not, that you be not judged.

Matthew 7:1 NKJV

An oft quoted Bible verse

Most people know and many misuse the often quoted advice of Jesus, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” It’s a quote probably most often used by non-believers against Christians, but also spoken in anger by christians, rather than used as Christ intended.

Matthew 7:

“Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

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Brothers and Hypocrites

Christ cautions against our tendency to judge others before taking a look into the mirror of our own fallen flesh. Our deceitful high-minded self-righteousness blinds our perspective and we fail to consider our own sin.

The question in the mind of anyone confronted by our self-righteous accusations is almost always, ‘who made you the judge of my sins?’

We all tend to believe, ‘my sins are better than your sins.’

Although Jesus’ advice is available to all, his words speak to those who seek to do good and not evil.

Unfortunately, Christians often strike out verbally out against others, rather than seeking to repay evil with good. [Romans 12:17] I am encouraged here by what Jesus tells us about the mercy of God, who will judge every soul.

Mat. 7:11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

Who will listen to God?

Jesus calls followers, “brothers,” and I might mention that it wouldn’t have been proper for a man to address a woman. Women, or sisters in the Lord only addressed each other, a custom still observed by some families in the middle east. It is clear here that Jesus is addressing only His followers, those who today we would call Christians.

By the illustration of the log in the eye, the Lord makes clear that a Christian must first examine our own sins, before we judge the foibles or sins of a brother (or sister) in the Lord. To do so would be hypocrisy.

As for unbelievers, Jesus is not talking to you if you do not believe in God. Jesus is not talking to you if you continually do evil and do not seek the will of the Living God. And He is not talking to you if you are a worldly foolish woman or man of evil ambition.

The lesser of two evils

The vitriolic public debate of the 2016 US presidential campaign serves as a contemporary warning of why you and I ought not begin the finger-pointing game against the enemy of our intentions. We hear their debate: ‘she lied about this’ or ‘he did that.’

Jesus tells us that we are no better than our leaders in judging the sins of others to make our own sins appear less significant. Why would their lies surprise even one voter?

Like the politician we are inclined to talk about sins of others rather than addressing our own need to repent. The usual debate contains more accusation than confession and we observe more, ‘sorry I got caught,’ than ‘I’m sorry for what I did.’

A cunning politician shows little regard for God or an opponent in the path of ambition. Even a righteous candidate (which describes neither current candidate) comes nowhere near the holiness of the righteous judgement of Almighty God!

A verse to keep Christians (Christ-followers) from hypocrisy

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It’s true, isn’t it, that foolish words which pour from our mouths about others come back to bite us?

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Jesus warned against judging others, even if what you say is true.

Right judgment of the ungodly is throwing pearls before swine and 21st c. Christians must be wary of it.

Only One Who IS Holy has the authority to judge sin!  The LORD will judge the evil of our unbridled tongues.

We cannot separate ourselves from the dogs of evil by judging their sins.

When we judge others, as political back-biting will illustrate again and again, the evil ones will trample your advice underfoot. Jesus warned us that these sinners you judge will turn and attack you.

Judgment is a function of Law and obedience

What does Jesus have to say about judgment to a group of followers in the Sermon on the Mount? How do you deal with people, even opponents? Are we just like our worldly opponents or do we try to respond more like God?

What would Jesus have to say about judgment in a current political race?

[ctt title=”Which sinner will you choose for President?” tweet=”A majority will say, I would choose neither.” coverup=”2ntp2″]

The Golden Rule

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. – Mat. 7:12

Everyone knows it, even presidential candidates.

Is this what they do? Is this how either of our aspiring leaders conduct themselves?

“Accusations aside, even if all sins of the opponents are true, is this how a leader acts toward others?

Do the US Presidential candidates have any more regard for voters than they demonstrate toward their opponent?

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We live in a fallen world.

We deplore a decaying, sinful world which espouses false doctrine such as a village should raise a child or mothers may murder the children of their womb. This fallen world is real estate ruled by greedy, self-aggrandizing men and women building towering fortunes hidden from the eyes of the needy.

[ctt title=”Our royal political families and belligerent billionaires who buy the future of America cannot compare to humble leaders who once led one nation, under God.” tweet=”” coverup=”0OYTq”]

Matthew 7:13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

A Tree and Its Fruit

15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

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While worldly candidates debate whose sins will disqualify, the world wonders what honor will remain for the office of President. We the people, recognize both by their fruits; and we must pray for the one who regrettably will prevail.

God help America.