Day 14: February 10

Matthew 7:1-6

SCRIPTURE HIGHLIGHT
1 “Do not judge, so that you will not be judged. 2 For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and look, the log is in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, 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!

OBSERVATION
⬆️ Jesus doesn't want us to judge others harshly for their problems or sins. That doesn't mean we shouldn't discern right from wrong. In other passages, Jesus encourages us to have good discernment (Matthew 7:15-20; 10:11-15; 16:6). The meaning of the original Greek word translated “judge” in English is mainly used in contexts related to condemning the sins of others, and often refers to the judgment we'll face from God in the end. So, the meaning of this verse is that, in order to avoid facing God's judgment in the same harsh way we've judged others, we shouldn't condemn people rashly or harshly. For instance, saying things like, "That person committed this sin, so they won't be saved," or "They'll be punished because…," is not what Jesus teaches.

⬆️ Jesus teaches that only God has the right to judge people for their sins, and He warns that we ourselves could also be subject to that judgment (2).

⬆️ Jesus teaches that when we stand before God, we are all seen as equal sinners (3).

⬆️ Jesus teaches that sinners cannot judge other sinners (4-5).

⬆️ However, Jesus demands that when we seek to share the gospel with others, we should do so with wisdom and discernment (6).

⬇️ People are more sensitive to the sins of others while being unaware of their own major sins. Moreover, people often try to become judges of others' sins. Often, people harshly judge others using stringent standards, forgetting the forgiveness, grace, and mercy they have received from God (1-5).

APPLICATION
➡️ Judgment of others' sins should begin with careful reflection on our own sins. The same standards we apply to others will inevitably be applied to us one day. Hypocrites often scrutinize minor faults in others while being overly lenient toward their own flawed lives. How many times have we believed that God will forgive our sins but thought that others' sins are unforgivable? How often have we condemned others' sins as if we were the judges ourselves? It seems like Jesus is asking if we behave like the debtor who owed ten thousand talents (Matt18:21-35).

The apostle Paul also warned that “You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things?” (Romans 2:1–3)

“Do not judge, so that you will not be judged.” How does this apply to me? How do I appropriate this truth in my own life?  Jesus isn't saying not to do something right now; instead, He's telling us to practice genuine love. He's teaching me to treat others' sins and faults with the same compassion and generosity that He has shown to me. I should walk in the footsteps of the one who came to pay the price for all my sins so that I could receive mercy and grace from God.

I have learned that when I approach others with a judgmental and condemning attitude, I cannot demonstrate mercy and love towards them. How can I effectively share the gospel with those whom I do not pity or love? Recently, I have recognized feelings of resentment, judgment, and condemnation towards others within myself. I now repent of these sins. Just as God has forgiven and loved me, I decide to understand, show mercy, and extend love to others.

PRAYER
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