Our scripture this morning is Matthew 7:1-5.
Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye.
This teaching from Jesus is not an abandonment of moral living or opposition to sin, but a call to love. We are to warn others of sin because they are children of God, not to control them. The original Greek text uses the term “krinete” which means forming a condemning opinion without proper knowledge. We must know what goes on in the lives of others before deciding.
If we judge fairly and with love, we will be judged in the same way, not necessarily by the world but by our Heavenly Father. This reminds us to be right with God before going to the world. While we are not perfect as Jesus is, we are commissioned to go in His name and that includes speaking against wrong.
In Matthew 18:15 Jesus says “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.” We are taught to call out sin, but in love and not judgement. Jesus also warns against hypocrisy, using judgement as a tool or weapon. God is in charge, not us and we stand against wrong by His command.
Loving Lord, we know we have all sinned and fallen short of what You intend for us. Help us to see our own failure and be reconciled with You that we may share Your love with the world. Amen.
