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Reading through the Gospels 67
Matthew 7:1-6; Luke 6:37-42
Matthew 7:1-6; Luke 6:37-42 JUDGING OTHERS
Jesus continues with his Sermon on the Mount. I am not to judge others because if I do, I will be judged for the same. To judge someone includes to know their heart and motives of their actions. How embarrassing is it when I learn the truth about the motives of their actions and realize it is justified. Jesus makes me think about if things were turned around how I would also fail in judgment. Oh, the SELF-ECHOES! What I say to others echoes back to me. Treat others as I would want to be treated.
Jesus goes a step further and even proclaims that anything I judge another for I will be found guilty of the same (Luke 6:37 uses the word condemn). Everyone is guilty of seeing some small thing wrong with another person (a speck in the eye) while forgetting to see their own faults (the log in the eye). Jesus flat out calls this hypocritical. Before I criticize someone else, I should look at myself to see if I deserve the same criticism. What standards (measures) have I set for others and do I keep those same standards for myself? Do I measure with judgment or mercy? Do I give myself allowances that I do not give to others?
I can never judge myself to meet God's measurements and standards because I am a sinner and will never measure up on my own. I can only measure up through the forgiveness of Jesus Christ.
If I first take the log out of my own eye (the huge fault) it will allow me to see the speck in another's eye (small fault). Seeing another through the lens of my own eye allows me to see how insignificant another's faults, thereby keeping me from getting worked up about it, and thereby helping me to overlook other's faults. Luke 6:37 uses the words, "forgive, and you will be forgiven."
The things that bother me the most in others are probably the things that bother me the most about myself, yet I tolerate my own sins. I should be more concerned about examining myself and asking God for forgiveness than I am about the conduct of others.
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11 How am I to build another up if I am looking for specks in the eye? Of course, this does not mean I should not be observant of wrong-doing in others. For instance, how will I be able to discern a false prophet if I am not being observant and aware? The intention of this verse is to be better discerning of when it is important (disapproval) and when it is something to look past (unconditional love). It is right to help others remove their "specks," but it should be done with love. When I "see clearly," then I am able to help another.
In verse 7, the "dogs" and "pigs" are those against the Gospel. Throwing holy (the Word) and precious pearls (the Gospel) at them who see no value only result in ridicule and twisting of God's Word to be thrown back.
Luke 39-40, "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher." Who am I look to as an example for living my life? If I am looking and analyzing what another is doing that may or may not be right, I am not focused in the REAL teacher in Jesus Christ.