In Matthew 7, Jesus tells us not to judge others and stresses the importance of humility and self-reflection.
He warns against the harsh and hypocritical judgments that can lead to division and resentment. However, exercising discernment is essential for navigating life’s complexities and avoiding deception.
The judgment that Jesus refers to in this passage focuses on attitudes and motivations, while the discernment needed to identify deceit involves careful observation and critical thinking.
Thus, while we should refrain from passing judgment on others, it is crucial to remain vigilant and discerning to protect ourselves from manipulation and falsehoods.
Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Matthew 7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
Matthew 7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Matthew 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
Matthew 7:5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.
Matthew 7:6 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
Matthew 8:16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
Matthew 8:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
Matthew 8:21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
Matthew 8:22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Jesus conveys important lessons about the purpose of judgment, emphasizing that it is not merely a means of assessing our actions but rather an opportunity for growth and understanding.
He encourages us to extend a helping hand to our brothers and sisters in need, reminding us that compassion and support are essential in our communities.
Moreover, Jesus teaches us the profound importance of forgiveness, urging us to forgive others as many times as necessary, reflecting the boundless grace that we ourselves receive.
By embodying these principles, we foster love, unity, and healing among one another. And don’t judge other Christians as some denominations do on food, the Sabbath, etc.
Colossians 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days.
Romans 14:2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
Romans 14:3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
Romans 14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
Romans 14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
Romans 14:6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
Romans 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
Romans 14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.
Jesus said not to judge by appearances, but to judge with righteous judgment, as mentioned in John 7, where a man was healed on the Sabbath.
The latter part considers righteous judgment as the key to justice. Righteous judgment is described in Zechariah 8, which instructs us to execute judgment with truth.
Zechariah 8:16 These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbor; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates.
The word of God stands as the absolute and unshakeable truth, guiding believers with its profound wisdom and timeless teachings.
John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is God-breathed and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
If you delve further into Matthew 7, you will find that Jesus cautions against the dangers posed by false prophets. He emphasizes the importance of being discerning and vigilant in identifying such individuals.
To effectively protect ourselves from their misleading teachings, we must exercise careful judgment and evaluate their actions and messages. Understanding the qualities of false prophets can empower us to stay grounded in our faith and adhere to the true principles of His teachings.
Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Matthew 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
By their fruits would be another judgment. So there is a Christian duty to judge.
Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2 Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
2 Corinthians 11:15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Jude 1:4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
We must judge doctrines being taught and those who profess to be prophets and preachers, teachers, but always, like Zechariah 8 teaches, by the Judgement of truth using the words of the Bible as the measuring stick for truth.
Psalms 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Always by studying the word and rightly dividing the words of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
So don’t be deceived as many have by being lied to about alternative sexual lifestyles, non-traditional beliefs about God, and certain political identifications.
Certain individuals assert that God embraces the worship practices of all religions, promoting an inclusive perspective on spiritual devotion. However, when confronted with differing viewpoints or objections to this belief, their response often includes phrases like “It is wrong to judge” or “Do not judge.”
I have shown in the scriptures that we must judge using the truth of the Bible and not be deceived by those who twist God’s words for their own evil purposes.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Ephesians 5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
Ephesians 5:7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.
1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.
2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
2 Timothy 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth and shall be turned unto fables.
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