January 10

Christ's Teaching About Judging Others

Do not judge, or you will be judged. For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. — Matt 7:1-2 BSB

Jesus doesn’t condemn the careful judgments we must make to protect ourselves and society when we deal with others. Such judgments are unavoidable. But He does condemn the harsh, fault-finding, and uncharitable judgments that constantly overlook the good and focus only on the bad, that spread negative and often inaccurate reports based on shallow observations.

How true it is that we are judged by the same measure we use for others. There’s a remarkable justice at work in life, which is really the judgment of God. The evils we inflict on others often come back to us, like a boomerang. If we are generous in how we judge others, we will receive generous judgments in return. If we are harsh and stingy, others will treat us the same way.

We all like to think of ourselves as eye doctors! Nothing pleases us more than the opportunity to remove splinters from someone else’s eyes, while we are blind to the beams obstructing our own vision. Christ continually says, “Get rid of the filthiness within you.” As His light shines deeper into our souls, it reveals hidden sins that need to be cleansed. Let’s be true to the inner light, and with humble and gracious spirits—free of superiority—help others to deal with their own faults.

In Matthew 7:15-20, Christ gives us a sure way to test people. He warns that in every age there will be those who care more for personal gain than for the well-being of the flock. Such people may appear kind and charming on the outside, but Jesus says to beware of them. Don’t judge them by their doctrine, but by their fruit. The Devil himself knows the truth better than anyone, but “by their fruits, you will know them.” You can’t judge a person by hearing them recite a creed, but over time, as you observe their character and behavior, especially in private, you will discern whether their life is ruled by God or self.

Prayer

Make us merciful, O Christ, in how we judge others. Help us to think no evil, and to forbear and forgive one another as You forgive us. Amen.