A Lesson on Judging Others

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Scripture: Matthew 7:1-5 (ESV)

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.

Devotion:

            In today’s culture, perhaps the one unforgivable sin is judging another person, especially concerning matters of sin. Yet, we are all human and struggle with our own imperfections. This scripture reminds us to approach others with empathy and understanding rather than judgment. Rather than instructing us to forego all judgment, it is a guide to when and how to judge rightly. You see, we all make judgments all the time. We judge between two plans for breakfast in the morning. Should I have that doughnut or the low-fat yogurt? Will I tell my friend about the juicy gossip I just heard, or will it stop with me?

            Verse 2 is a profound instruction to bear in mind. While we may find it difficult to refrain from judging others, we must remember that God will judge us in the same manner. This is an invitation to practice grace in our relationships. If we are severe in our judgment of others, God will judge us severely; however, if we extend grace and forgiveness to others, God will do the same for us. This counters the worldly logic of 'an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' Jesus, in this passage, overturns that logic and advocates for returning good for evil and kindness for rudeness. This counter-cultural instruction is a recurring theme in the New Testament, reminding us of the importance of humility and forgiveness.

            The illustration of the speck and the log should immediately come to mind whenever we feel the urge to correct another’s words or actions. It is a stern warning against hypocrisy. Jesus employs exaggeration here to drive His point home. If there was one sin that Jesus could not and did not tolerate, it was hypocrisy. He consistently called out The Pharisees and other religious and political leaders of His time for this very sin. Jesus left no room for doubt that He despised those who judged others for the same thing they were guilty of. We all stand guilty of this; however, we must humbly ask God to forgive us and deliver us from hypocrisy at every turn.

Prayer:

            Lord, we know we are sinners. We judge where we should not dare to judge and let large and dangerous sins control our behavior. We know this is different from how it should be. Forgive us and cleanse us of all sin and unrighteousness. Help us hold our tongue whenever we are tempted to judge another harshly. Please help us to remember the cross where you died in punishment for our sins. Please help us extend grace and forgiveness wherever and whenever possible because you extended it to us first. Amen. 

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