Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured unto you.
Mathew 7:1
Matthew 7:1-2 ASV
In these verses Jesus talks about passing judgment and criticizing others. Does it really mean that we shouldn’t talk about others and evaluate their actions and talks? Should we adopt an attitude of being silent and inactive. Is it right that we shouldn’t react to whatever is happening? Then why does the Lord say about being warned against false prophets. If you don’t use your discretion and judgmental powers, how can we recognize false people and false teachings?
Surely, we should discriminate between what is right and what is wrong. with wisdom and understanding granted by the Holy Spirit.
Lord Jesus warns us of harsh and hasty opinion and comments against those whom we don’t like. Our harsh words may character assassinate and tarnish someone’s reputation. In Numbers 12:1 we see Aaron and Miriam were jealous against Moses and they talked ill of Moses and his wife Sippora. God didn’t like it. He called both of them and Miriam was punished for her bad words of judgment against Sippora. Same was with Korah and his followers who were judgmental against Moses.
We should surely be impartial with an aim of edification and improvement rather than expressing our disagreement and intolerance of people and events.
We find Paul finding fault with Peter as Peter insisted on circumcision in order to please his Jewish following (Gal 2-12-16). Can you call Paul as judgmental about Peter as Paul openly spoke against Peter’s favoritism and partiality to his own people? Paul stood for principles, His intention was not to humiliate Peter, but to go the right way. When Christ died for our sins and all believers’ sins are borne and washed away by the Lord’s sacrifice at Calvary. The age of grace grants forgiveness to all who believe in the crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ and the works of law of the Old Testament and circumcision are not for the believers. Apostle Paul wanted to establish this fact and he was totally against Peter’s professing circumcision.
So, whatever we do or say should be to the honour of the teachings of the Lord.
Let us avoid merciless and hard words that spoil others’ reputation. At the same time let us be honest and no conniving. Let’s be bold enough to call a spade a spade and let’s do it in an appropriate manner. We should get rid of the habit of finding fault and being biased.
Study the Word of God, meditate the Word which is essential for correction and edification; necessary for righteous living.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
II Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV
Praise God.
-Sol.Salomi Kurian