Matthew 7 January 8, 2016
Perhaps this is the most quoted and most misunderstood Bible verse of our day is Matthew 7:1 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged."
This is the favorite verse of the Jerry Springer show. It is usually used to stop any discussion between right and wrong behavior. It implies that no one can ever tell you to stop doing some particular behavior.
But that is not even close to the intent Jesus had for the verse. What Jesus is warning against here is self deception and hypocrisy. There is something in our fallen hearts that loves to point out the weaknesses and sins in others, while giving ourselves a free pass. We tend to be victorious over certain sins and those are the ones we quickly and powerfully shine the spotlight on in others. It makes us took good but in the end it is nothing but pride.
The speck and log illustration clearly teaches us to take a good long look at our own life before we start beating up on others. In the end we need to see this as a matter of showing grace to others and not accusing them. When we see something wrong in the life of a friend we need to point it out and help them deal with it. When we do that, we are serving them, not condemning them. That is what a Christ follower does. With a loving attitude we help others become trophies of God's grace. And we must do all of this with a loving attitude and not a condemning, superior, hypocritical attitude. Pointing out destructive behavior in another person, is in reality, an incredible and brave way to show your love to your neighbor.
So as we head into the New Year may this be said about the Grace Church family; "they are the most tender, gracious, compassionate people who love the unchurched and will do everything possible to help those caught in the web of sin to experience victory in Christ."
This is our goal.
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