I can’t imagine a more misquoted or misinterpreted verse
that Matt. 7:1. I came across a blog that helps give practical application of
how to avoid this sin, or help in convicting me when I commit this sin. Needless
to say, many people quote Matt. 7:1 whenever someone confronts them with a sin - but certainly the intent of this verse is
not a call to ignore sin in my life or in the life of another. So what does it
mean? I think this blog gives us some helpful applications:
Don’t Assume
It may be the best known Bible verse in our culture: “Judge not,
that you be not judged” (Matt. 7:1).
As one of our society’s most popular verses, it is also one of
the most misunderstood. Too many people, non-Christian and Christian, take
Jesus’ words to be a blanket rejection of all moral evaluation. But given that
Jesus alludes to his opponents as dogs and pigs five verses later, it’s safe to
think Jesus wasn’t condemning every kind of judgment. We see from the rest
of the Gospel that Matthew 7:1 is not inconsistent with strong criticisms, negative
statements, church discipline, and warnings about hell. Judgmentalism is not
the same as making ethical and doctrinal demands or believing others to be
wrong.
And yet, after all the necessary qualifications, we must not
mute this important command. As sinners, we are apt to assume the worst about
people. We are eager to find favorable comparisons that make ourselves look good
at the expense of others. We are quick to size people up and think we have them
figured them out. But I have learned over the years–both as the giver and
receiver of judgmental assumptions–that it’s best not to assume.
Don’t assume you know all the facts after hearing one side of
the story.
Don’t assume the person is guilty just because strong charges
are made against him.
Don’t assume you understand a blogger’s heart after reading one
post.
Don’t assume that famous author, preacher, athlete, politician,
or local celebrity won’t read what you write and don’t assume they won’t care
what you say.
Don’t assume the divorced person is to blame for the divorce.
Don’t assume the single mom isn’t following Jesus.
Don’t assume the guy from the Mission is less of a man or less
of a Christian.
Don’t assume the pastor looking for work is a bad pastor.
Don’t assume the church that struggles or fails is a bad church.
Don’t assume you’d be a better mom.
Don’t assume bad kids are the result of bad parents.
Don’t assume your parents are clueless.
Don’t assume everyone should drop everything to attend to your
needs, and don’t assume no one will.
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