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Judge Not, that you be Not Judged

12/21/2019

 
Introduction. Jesus wanted His disciples to be very cautious regarding the manner in which they assess and form opinions about others. While God is very clear that everyone will be judged on the final day, He is equally clear that He doesn’t need or want any help from us. Through the centuries many have set themselves up as judges of others, yet the test of time has proven their judgments were false. Sadly, just as it is “not in man to direct his own steps,” it is not in man to assess and pass judgement on the steps of others. So those disciples of Jesus who want to do everything exactly as Jesus has revealed are strongly warned about judging and assessing others:
  • Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. (Mt. 7:1-2). 

Clearly Jesus worded this command in this manner for an important reason and each of us must struggle to find the narrow path. While many seek creative ways to explain these words, some are mere clichés that only lessen the impact of the command itself leading to its violation. Once we understand that on the final day of judgment, our own judgment by God will be impacted by the way we have judged others, we are better prepared to be cautious.
 
Based on Jesus’ words, James gave us a similar warning. As we consider our time before God’s judgment, we all long for mercy, compassion and understanding from God. We want to be able to explain our circumstances and have him patiently listen and then be merciful. James warned that these things will be meted out exactly as we gave them. If we did not choose mercy in our judgment of others, then God will not use any mercy when it comes to our own judgment.

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    Alan Hitchen

    Alan is a preacher for the Holly Street church of Christ in Denver, CO. He has preached in various other locations in his +35 year career.  He is also active in spreading the Gospel to Malawi, Africa.

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