Judging Righteously: Understanding the Words of Jesus
The teachings of Jesus have echoed through centuries, providing guidance and wisdom to millions. One particular phrase, "Judge not," from the Sermon on the Mount, has become both a shield and a weapon in various debates, used by Christians and non-Christians alike.
The command is straightforward: "Judge not, that you be not judged" (Matthew 7:1 ESV). This verse has sparked numerous discussions, often leading to confusion about whether Christians should ever form judgments. To unravel this, we need to understand what Jesus means by "judge."
Judging, in biblical terms, is about discernment or forming opinions. The Bible encourages us to use discernment, offering examples such as recognizing false prophets (Matthew 7:15-16) and avoiding those who cause divisions (Romans 16:17). Hence, Jesus isn't forbidding all judgment; rather, judging that is harmful and hurts.
To illuminate His point, Jesus shares a vivid analogy about a speck and a log (Matthew 7:3-5 ESV). He challenges us to examine our hearts before attempting to help others. This story emphasizes that judging right starts with having the right motives and a right heart.
Jesus isn't suggesting we abstain from judging but rather urging us to judge with the intent to help, not to hurt. We're called to be righteous judges, starting by addressing the "logs" in our own lives before assisting others with their "specks." This process ensures that our judgments lead to restoration, not condemnation.
Jesus imparts invaluable wisdom about judging with the right heart, measure, and motive. He cautions against judging that hurts, marked by superficiality, hypocrisy, self-righteousness, and reliance on falsehoods. Instead, He encourages judging that helps, guided by discernment, humility, and truth.
The key lies in understanding the standard by which we judge. As believers, we should judge others with the same grace, mercy, kindness, and forgiveness that we've received from God. Our motives should be rooted in helping, not condemning, reflecting the nature of a loving and forgiving God.