Judge Not – Matthew 7:1-6
In general, many of us are hypercritical, unaccepting of differences, and quick to pass judgment. In Matthew 7:1-6, Jesus confronts that hypercritical posture, not with undisciplined acceptance, but by first taking a hard look at our own life.
The Sermon on the Mount is not an isolated speech.
The whole sermon is Christ describing what life in the kingdom and allegiance to him looks like.
Obedience to the Sermon on the Mount is a practice in imagination.
It’s helpful to see this instruction as an inverse of the 5th Beatitude, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy”Matthew 5:6–7 (ESV)
“Judge Not” means do be discerning, but do not be hypercritical and condemning.
At times discernment comes with the need for education and instruction.
God has given us much authority as his Children, but both forgiveness and judgment are left for Him alone to decide.
“The tone of your life will be the tone of your judgment” - R. Kent Hughes
God is asking us not to show our neighbors condemnation when He has met us with grace.
“Wrath toward the speck in someone else’s life may come from the suppressed guilt over the same massive sin in our own lives.” - R. Kent Hughes
Jesus is showing us a slower path of self-criticism and personal sensitivity will grip others more deeply than aggressive overzealous techniques.
“Only wounded healers have a right to heal” - Henry Nowen
Accountability is best done with verbal permission and an intentional ask.
Two Points of Caution:
Be wise about who you give permission and authority in your life.
“Some have harmless specks in their eyes; others have harmful clubs in their hands” – Dale Bruner
If you ask for accountability, be prepared to be held accountable.