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In Matthew 7, Jesus Christ is continuing the Sermon on the Mount. In this passage, Jesus tells believers not to judge or condemn anyone. He states that the consequences will be returned judgment and spiritual blindness. Later in verse 12, Jesus sums up chapter 7 of Matthew by stating the Golden Rule…do to others what you would have them do to you.

Judgment in this passage means to condemn someone or assign motive without knowing all of the facts of the situation. The hypercritical spirit refuses to show grace or mercy. The critical person goal is not to restore or correct the person, but simply to criticize, denounce, and rebuke. The remedy, Jesus tells us, is a self-examined life. When we make an honest and accurate assessment of ourselves, we are able to see others with compassion and treat them mercifully.

Do not mistake this passage to mean that believers in Christ are not to judge anything or anyone. In fact, believers are called in multiple verses including 1 Cor 1:10 and 1 Cor 2:15 to spiritually judge all things. Spiritual judgment in this sense means the assessment of whether a behavior, statement, or attitude is right or wrong in the eyes of God. We can not and should not ignore sin. We are called to be inspectors, to assess what is true, and to share God’s truth with this fallen world. However, His truth should be shared in love and with a gracious spirit meant to bring that person closer to God. We share God’s truth the way we would want to have it shared. We give correction the way we would want to receive it. We pour out the measure of compassion and grace that we desire to receive. We do to others what we would have them do to us. We show true love for God when we love others this way.

Jesus tells us to remove our plank. How? We assess our own lives honestly and accurately. We ensure that our motive for correction is pure. We remember the compassion, grace, and mercy with which the Lord dealt with our individual sin. Only then, should we approach another with the same compassion, grace, and mercy the Lord granted us. If you are unsure, see if you can make this wholehearted request, “Lord, please judge me the way that I judge those around me.” If not, you may have more plank to remove from your eye.

Who have you been critical of this week? What speck have you tried to remove? In your assessment, is your motive to strengthen that person and bring them closer to the Lord? Have you first prayed for that person and for yourself, that you may both experience God’s presence and spiritual growth? How will your experiences being judged modify the way you approach others?

PRAYER: Father God, You are our holy and righteous Judge. Cleanse our hearts so that we may have an accurate and honest assessment of ourselves. Lord, remove the spirit of criticism, backbiting, fault-finding, and condemnation. Lord, when we are called to address and correct, help us to do with grace and mercy, in a spirit of love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.