Don't judge this post - Matthew 7:1-6

SCRIPTURE

Matthew 7:1-6

LANGUAGE

Vs. 1  judge - κρίνω krinō; properly, to distinguish, i.e. decide (mentally or judicially); by implication, to try, condemn, punish: — avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, esteem, judge, go to (sue at the) law, ordain, call in question, sentence to, think.
Vs. 2  measure - μέτρον metron; an apparently primary word; a measure (“metre”), literally or figuratively; by implication, a limited portion (degree): — measure.

COMMENTS

This is an interesting section, and often misused to try to show that we should not judge the actions of others. But the Bible is clear in other places that there are certain areas where judging is essential. Like when Paul told the Corinthians to expel an immoral brother (1 Corinthians 5), or in Galatians where Paul confronts those preaching another gospel.

So what exactly is Jesus saying here? He is not talking about judging a sin, but rather judging a sinner. Some things are wrong and should not be tolerated in the church. People should be called out and told to stop such behavior. Pick one, drug use, spousal abuse, alcoholism, adultery, and more. We need to let people know that these are not acceptable. But those who do such things are not above forgiveness. The man who abuses his wife comes in, confesses his sin, and pleads for forgiveness. If we refuse, then that measure of refusal will be given to us. Reminds me of the idea of "you who is without sin, cast the first stone." (John 8:7)

Again, I look to the context of this message to seek an interpretation. The message is about how WE should live: humble, meek, thirsting for righteousness. Not being the hammer of judgement on the world, but proclaiming the Gospel of God's grace over such things. We are not the condemners.

I am not saying that we turn a blind eye to sin. By no means. I am saying that we first and foremost deal with our own behavior, our own repentance, our own salvation, and we let others deal with theirs. If they are to be honest, they will know what God wants from them. If they are not to be honest, then it won't likely make a difference. Perhaps at this point we even need to break our fellowship with them. But not in a superior or arrogant manner, just letting them know that we cannot participate or support such behavior.

I think if more Christians approached their witness from a humble aspect, their message just might be heard a little clearer.

MY STORY

I came to a church in Junior High that had an active youth program. They had a choir, went on trips, had activities, and more. I came from a Catholic background, not attending Catholic church, but knowing that I was Catholic. I had not been to mass since probably 4th grade. My parents were not church-goers. They had alcohol at their gatherings. I was first generation German-American, I grew up around beer. We were going on a youth trip to Florida. I brought my Budweiser sun hat. Never occurred to me that this was a no-no. After the trip, I heard the youth pastor talking to someone. He was talking about the trip and discussing issues that occurred. He said, "One of the kids even brought a Budweiser hat." That's when it hit me that that was not acceptable. I am not sure he knew I heard, or if he remembered I was the one who brought it. Perhaps so, maybe. But I felt shamed and judged. No one at any time pulled be aside to suggest that that hat might be sending a wrong message. I wondered how many others thought poorly of me for bringing it. I meant nothing by it, to me it was not an issue. It could have been handled so differently. I was not a obstinate child. But I did learn something that day. I learned how important it was to judge the actions of others.