One of the most misunderstood and misapplied scriptures in the Bible is Matthew 7:1. In this verse Jesus said, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” It’s a verse that many believers toss around with little or no understanding. As Christians, we are most certainly called to judge. Our judgement is based on the only standard in the world that will never change: the Word of God. Beyond that, there is an overriding characteristic that ought define the Christian’s disposition at all times. Charity. Charity should set us apart in all of our judgements. Listen to how J.C. Ryle explains the meaning of this little verse:
“Our Lord does not mean that it is wrong, under any circumstances, to pass an unfavorable judgment on the conduct and opinions of others. We ought to have decided opinions of others. We are to “prove all things.” We are to “try the spirits.” – Nor yet does He mean that it is wrong to reprove the sins and faults of others, until we perfect ourselves. Such an interpretation would contradict other parts of Scriptures. it would make it impossible to condemn error and false doctrine. It would debar any one from attempting the office of a minister or a judge. The earth would be “given into the hands of the wicked.” (John ix.24) Heresy would flourish, wrong doing would abound.”
“What our Lord means to condemn is a censorious and fault-finding spirit. A readiness to blame others for trifling offences, or matters of indifference–a habit of passing rash and hasty judgments–a disposition to magnify the errors and infirmities of our neighbors, and make the worst of them–this is what our Lord forbids. It was common among the Pharisees. It has always been common from their day down to the present time. We must all watch against it. We should “believe all things,” and “hope all things “about others, and be very slow to find fault. This is Christian charity. (1 Cor. 13:7.)”
– J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, Volume One (pages 62-63)
That’s an excellent explanation by Ryle. In this age of intolerant tolerance this verse is so misused. Thanks for posting this, Christina.
Very needed post, Christina!
“We must all watch against it. We should “believe all things,” and “hope all things “about others, and be very slow to find fault.” I’m working on it! I think I do better with the “believing all things,” and “hoping all things” about others, but the other part needs a break job!
Love and blessings!
I think but could be wrong:
We love.
We judge everyTHING (opinions, behaviour …), but never condemn the person.
We do not talk about people, but – if God is leading us to and preparing us for it – WITH people, at first four-eyes principle …
Yes, that sounds right to me. When I was reading this, I kept thinking about the command that Jesus gave in Luke 6:31, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” In matters where I am “off” and need to be corrected I considered this: Sometimes God’s correction can be harsh but I know that He loves me and that it is never out of a “fault-finding or censorious spirit.” I can trust that the spirit behind the correction does not take joy in humiliating me because I know that God is holy. I know that He loves me. In the same way, we should be that to others. We judge but always, by God’s grace, from a spirit in whom the love of God has been shed.
Lord bless you. I pray you are having a beautiful weekend.
Great post Christina. This has got to be one of the most misinterpreted verses in Scripture.
“For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. ”
You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. ”
Hypocritical judgement is condemned by Christ. Christ doesn’t forbid trying to help someone else with their sin as long as we’re not practicing the same or worse.
Have a wonderful Lord’s Day!