Re-examining Matt. 7:1

    Christian’s have often heard the old adage, “The Bible says not to judge.” When asked where in the Bible, the most commonly cited verse is Matt. 7:1. Now I’ve done examinations with you all in the past of Matt. 7:1, and once you read more than one verse, it is easy to see that Jesus was specifically addressing a hypocritical judgement, and not all judgements. If Jesus were condemning all judgments he would then be in violation of his own teachings found in John 7:24. Furthermore, I think additional information needs to be addressed when considering the text. First, Jesus tells us that whatever measure we use to judge, “It will be measured to you.” Friend, if you are sharing the word of God with someone and showing them what it says, then you are not doing the judging. “He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day” (John 12:48). You are simply giving that person a warning about the judgment that is coming to them. Next, we see Jesus using the example of having a speck or a log in one’s eye. Whether one has a speck or a log is dependent on the individual situation, but they both need to be removed! “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” (Matt. 7:5). The world wants to treat it as if, “Well if you have a speck or a log in your eye, who are you to tell me what to do with my life.” However, Jesus' message is clear here. Both need to come out. Lastly, be careful not to get ripped to shreds. He gives the example of not giving pearls to swing or what is holy to dogs. I’m reminded of what Paul said in 1 Cor. 15:32 about fighting “with wild beasts at Ephesus.” To avoid getting ripped to shreds, I would encourage you to read Acts 19 when Paul was at Ephesus and was nearly put to death. When you think someone is judging you, stop and think, “Well is it true.” If so, you may want to fix it. I love you all!

In His service,
Steven Hugley