This is the verse so many use to try to shame Christians for discerning poor behavior, ethics, morals, and values: the "judge not lest ye be judged" verse. So many times people, mostly teens have emailed us saying "judge not lest you be judged" regarding our analysis reports which reveal to their parents the content of movies. Using only Matt 7:1 is entirely incomplete. This verse is not speaking to not judging at all -- it is speaking to not judging unfairly or any other cheap and selfish way. Read the rest of the story ...
Matt 7:2-5 "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged [if we judge with an evil heart or dark intent, His judgment of us will reflect it; if we judge nobly with honesty and justice, His judgment of us will reflect that, too], and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you...
ahh yes, i always knew there was somthing wrong with the way certain people used this verse...lol their unfair judgements will be rendered back onto them... it's so poetic...
Ok, I suppose thats fine then as long as you believe that you are perfectly just being as opposed to a fallen, sinful human being.
Of course, most of us find self-righteousness annoying, and I don't remember seeing any Scriptural support for your little conclusion.
Oh well, have fun with that. Just remember that however you try and contort the Scriptures to justify your arbitrary judgments of others, there's still this thing called "Forum Rules", and beyond that, most of us find these smugly holier-then-thou threads irritating.
Your premise is basically correct. In our politically correct society, all judging is deemed a sin. Ironically, a person can violate any one of God's laws on in a serious way, yet if you tactfully warn them that what they are doing is wrong, you are the devil!! In fact, it has gotten so warped that "judging" is the worst sin you can commit! Only 5 verses later, in verse 6, Jesus tells us not to throw our pearls before swine, evidently meaning that we should not continue giving spiritual gems to those who don't appreciate it. Well, how are we supposed to discern who doesn't appreciate it? There is a measure of judging involved. Then in 7:15 (same chapter), He adds to "look out for false prophets", and that "by their fruits we will recognize them. That obviously includes judging. Then in Mt. 18:15-17, He says, "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.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.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." So the "anything goes--don't judge me" thinking may be extremely popular--even among "christian" leaders, but what would Jesus do?
On the other hand, "Judge not" is in the Bible for a reason. We must never explain a verse away. Every verse makes a valid point--even if it has been misapplied. Jesus was commanding us not to be overly critical and set ourselves up in His place as the Judge of all mankind. Yes, we must be discerning and make judgements as best we can, but not harshly. And whenever it's none of our business, just let it go. We only judge when it involves our own worship--such as which "prophet" is false or true. Also in choosing our closest friends, "Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." 1 cor. 15:33 But other than that, it is not our job to tell others how to run their life. We should not be like the hypocritical pharisees who judged others on every tiny infraction of their own rules, yet had a "rafter" in their own eye by not having the fundamental qualities of mercy and love.
bottom line, Jesus was saying that we should not be critical people.
__________________ When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth he either ceases to be mistaken or begins to be dishonest.
No problems here with being judged justly--I'd rather know if I were doing wrong than not know. I strive to do rightly by people and I'm not afraid of criticism when I fall short of that, how else can you hope to improve? It isn't something to fear if your goal is to live honestly.
This is coming from an atheist, btw. This post may be deleted soon, this is a Christian only section. You probably won't hear from many atheists in this thread because of that. =P
It's not our job to judge another Persons servant. Certainly we have to discern correct from incorrect behavior, good influences from bad influences , etc.... but it isn't up to us to judge other people. As Christians we should consider ourselves the "first among sinners" and pay attention to the beam in our own eye. It is our duty to cover the sins of our brothers and sisters in so far as possible rather than to judge the person committing them.
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"The Devil cunningly induces us- instead of arousing us against himself-to notice our neighbors' sins, to make us spiteful and angry with others, and to awaken our contempt twoard them, thus keeping us in enmity with them, and with the Lord God himself."
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