Scripture Reading: Matthew 7:1-5
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”—Matthew 7:1-2
A judge must meet certain qualifications and be granted authority to exercise judgment over persons and cases appearing before their court. The system presupposes the judge has the authority to render a fair verdict of guilty or innocent, as well as hand down a sentence in the event a guilty verdict is issued. The judge must issue justice without partiality, while extending mercy and compassion when appropriate.
The problem with self-appointed judges is there’s only one capable of managing all the intricacies of every case being heard. Only one has the legal standing and authority to be a judge over everyone—Jesus Christ. There’s only one judge; there are no individual “lower courts.” Jesus’ moral and legal standing for sole judgeship is based on His redemptive work on the cross at Calvary:
“You are worthy to take the scroll (of judgment),
And to open its seals;
For You were slain,
And have redeemed us to God by Your blood…”—Revelation 5:9
When we pass judgment and condemnation on others, we circumvent Christ’s judgeship, and contribute to the dismemberment of the Church. Dismemberment is synonymous with maiming and mutilation, typically of a body. Dismemberment is a violent, cruel act designed to wound or divide a body into parts. That’s precisely what happens when we stand in condemnation of others. Condemnation sows seeds of self-righteousness, gossip and discord. Instead of finding healing and restoration in congregations, people find themselves maimed and mutilated. When we condemn others, we wield knives of division and discord; knives that could be easily pointed our way.
While there is a time and place for gentle rebuke and loving correction for sin, gentleness and love must be the watchwords for those actions. But not condemnation. Jesus proclaimed He came to save us, not condemn us (John 3:17). Let’s follow His lead.
Lesson to Remember: Don’t bother to judge others, you’re not qualified. Just love them.
“Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.”—1 Corinthians 4:5
