It is time to clear things up – the most misunderstood verse in scripture is:
Matthew 7:1 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.”
When we read this scripture in context we realize that this does not mean we are not to judge others, but that there is a correct and merciful way to judge, and when we don’t judge correctly, we may experience the negative results stated in the NEXT verse:
Matthew 7:2: “For in the SAME WAY YOU JUDGE OTHERS, YOU WILL BE JUDGED, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Because we must also deal with our own sins first:
Matthew 7:3: “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”
Why must we deal with our own sins first? Because NEXT it says:
Matthew 7:4: “How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?”
When we don’t deal with our own sins we are like:
Matthew 7:5: “You HYPOCRITE, first take the plank out of your own eye, and THEN YOU WILL SEE CLEARLY TO REMOVE the speck from your brother’s eye.”
When we do deal with our own sins, we gain wisdom on how to HELP another deal with their sins.
This is why we must receive the rebukes and correction from others, because if we don’t, we are like:
Matthew 7:6: “Do not give DOGS what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to PIGS. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and TEAR YOU TO PIECES.” (Which explains why the “world” freaks out when Christians make statements about their lifestyles being sinful).
Note: The scriptures say “brother” which means we are to address the sins of other Christians (as long as we are addressing our own sins so we can help each other with sin). This is why it never works to tell sinners about their sins – only one thing can make a difference in their life, and that is the Good News of Jesus! Verse 6 refers to the non-Christians as dogs and pigs (biblical terms for the “unclean/unsaved”). With that being said, when we do not receive a rebuke or correction from another Christian about our own sin, we are then acting like those who do not know Jesus, so we act defensively like a dog does or we ignore them like pigs whom are consumed with eating slop.
“For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News?” 1 Peter 4:17
Hope this helps the next time a sister in Christ says, “You are not supposed to judge me!” Just make sure you have taken care of things on your end. It is through our own refining process that we gain the wisdom to HELP other Christians. Judging is about helping, not condemning, but only Christians understand this because we are the ones who realize that we were dead in our sins and in need of a Savior.
As for sinners, they sin because they do not know any other way to live, so simply share the good news of Jesus with them.
“God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:17.
If you liked this post, please see these, too:
A Pinterest Pin for When You are Feeling Persecuted by the World
Three Powerful Responses to Persecution
5 Misconceptions about the Church
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