Righteous Judgment预览

Distorted human beings have distorted vision.

Due to our sin, sometimes it is difficult for us to see clearly. If you're like me, you know how easy it is to point out the mistakes and shortcomings of others. The Bible warns us about judging in this way. Jesus says in Matthew 7 that we should not judge, because we judge others, is the way we will be judged.

It is important to note that Jesus is not implying that it’s always wrong to judge others. He isn’t against the act of judging, but rather against the attitude while judging.

Remember, judging is simply distinguishing between good and evil and forming an opinion that’s rooted in God’s Word. That kind of judgment is good! Yet, once we go beyond the fine boundary from "judging" to "condemning," that's where we lose our balance.

There are people who judge with the wrong attitude. They’re good at pointing out your mistakes but have no clue, no intention, and no ability to help you. There are also people who judge with the right attitude. These people judge themselves first, recognizing their own faults and taking steps to remove the plank from their own eye so that they can see clearly. After doing that, with humility, they take it upon themselves to help others not only recognize what hinders them from seeing clearly but also to remove it so that they can see clearly too—that’s the whole point.

I can’t imagine trying to remove a splinter from my eye without a mirror or someone with clear vision to help take it out. Having the right attitude while judging gives us the ability to remove the speck from our brother's or sister's eye. That's why Jesus provides two steps to judge correctly.

Step 1: Remove the plank from your own eye first so you can actually see clearly.

Step 2: Once you can see clearly, remove the speck from your brother's eye.

When we humbly recognize our own sin and take steps to remove our sin, we will then be capable to help others see their sin and remove their sin.

Do you have a plank in your own eye? As fallen individuals, we struggle to see clearly. Ask God to help you identify what prevents you from seeing clearly so that you can help others.