Articles
Judge Not
“Judge not that you be not judged. For with the judgement you pronounce you will be judged” (Matthew 7:1). This scripture is the most known and quoted by people who do not know any other Bible. However, it is a serious command that all Bible students should heed. It condemns a judgmental attitude that is quick to judge others for faults far less than our own. Clearly, if we judge harshly, we will be judged harshly.
There are “right judgments” we ought to make (John 7:24). When anything is taught contrary to Scripture, we are to judge it as false teaching. When things are done that Scripture shows to be sin, it is “right judgment” to condemn it.
There are two kinds of judgment we are not qualified to make: judging motives, and pronouncing final judgment.
Judging Motives: God the Father and Jesus can do that. They know people’s motives and can condemn them. “They do all their righteousness to be seen of others” (Matthew 23:5). Jesus knows it is correct to label them “hypocrites.”
Pronouncing Final Judgment: There are heart issues involved in that determination also and, as noted, we cannot read hearts. There will likely be people in Heaven we did not expect. Some may be surprised to see us there! “For judgment is without mercy to those who have shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13). --Cecil May, Jr. (via Preacher Talk)
