Dr. “Joey” Alan Le

June 23, 2024

Matt 7:1-5 (NRSV)

‘Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. 2 For with the judgement you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. 3 Why do you see the speck in your neighbour’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your neighbour, “Let me take the speck out of your eye”, while the log is in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbour’s eye.

Do Not Judge

Do not... 

• ...set yourself over others.

• ...pronounce people guilty before God.

How can we judge another person when we cannot know everything about them and their situation?

Don't judge a man by where he is,  because you don't know how far he has come (C.S. Lewis).

Only God is just, so only God is qualified to judge.

The Log

• Pride

• Ego

• Loyalties

• Privileges

• Interests

• Coveted Objects 

A hypercritical person focuses on things that are of little importance and treat them as matters of vital importance. 

A fault-finder cannot be convinced of their own fault.

What are we allowed to do when we see a fault in someone that we know legitimately needs correction?

Whatever criticism/correction we have for others, let us start with ourselves.

Reflection Questions

1. Which kind of Christian do I want to be: the judgmental kind or the forgiving kind?

2. Am I guilty of the same things I’m passing judgment on?

3. Can I resist the urge to force others to conform to my gospel?

4. What are ways I can extend the same love, patience, and grace God has given me?

5. How can I respond in a way that builds a person up rather than tears them down?