Judge Not

David Hill: Jesus said, “Judge not that you be not judged.” (Matthew 7:1). Perhaps one of the most misused and abused verses given by our Lord. Was He forbidding all judgment, as some say, or did He contradict Himself just a few pages later when He said, “Judge righteous judgment.” (John 7:24)? Is it judgment when one judges not to judge?

Is it judgment to tell someone not to judge? The Lord never forbade judgment. Good judgment is necessary in life. So what was the Lord saying when He said, “Judge not that you be not judged”? Read the rest of the story in Matthew’s account and in John’s account, and you’ll easily see He’s instructing His followers to first get their lives in order, then use proper righteous judgment to help others.

May I judge I’m wrong? Yes. May I judge you’re right? Yes. Based on the Word of God, that’s what we’re instructed to do. The gospel, good news, righteous judgment, leading to a changed heart that results in a changed life. Thank you for listening to One Gospel Minute. Stay in touch with our podcast on our website and on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever fine podcasts are distributed.

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