I think the most quoted verse, or some variation of it anyway, that I have heard quoted over the years is Matthew 7:1,
“Do not judge…”
Even people who have never read any of the Bible know that little snippet. But that’s exactly what it is, a little snippet. We know that the whole verse says this,
“Do not judge so that you will not be judged.”
But even then, the single verse is not able to be understood without the accompanying verses that follow.
Why do you suppose this verse is quoted so often? My best guess is that people simply want to do whatever they want to do with the least amount of guilt possible. Some even go beyond demanding that they not be judged and take it one step further by demanding that their behavior be accepted.
In the world we live in today anything less than 100% acceptance is often labeled as “hate” or “intolerance.”
Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:1-6 is misunderstood by both those outside and inside the church, yet with a little examination the teaching is crystal clear. Simply stated, Jesus is teaching the difference between the wrong way to approach judgment of others and the correct way to approach judgement of others.
We are supposed to judge others, but only after we have properly examined ourselves through the lens of the Bible. What I have learned is that when I examine myself prior to examining another person is that I have a greater sympathy and empathy. I am kinder and gentler. Why? Because upon proper personal examination I see that I am the one the song was written about when the words were written,
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound! That saved a wretch like me!
The word wretch isn’t common in our world anymore, so here’s some help with its meaning:
wretch: worthless, despicable, inferior
Often when I say that I am a wretch, non-Christians and some Christians, want to correct me and tell me that I’m a “good” person. If they truly understood what the only good person who ever lived was like, they would never think that I am good and they would never think that they are either.
As we examine the proper way to judge this Sunday, let’s first examine ourselves against the only acceptable measure of personal goodness- the perfect standard of Jesus the Christ. Then, and only then, will our hearts be ready to examine another.
Have I told you lately that I love you? Well, I do.
Wes LeFlore (918) 607-8489 or huskerwes1@gmail.com
