JEFF TURNER
Many people, especially those outside the Christian faith, turn to Matthew 7:1, “Judge not, lest you be judged,” when they feel challenged about sin. But this verse is often misunderstood. Jesus was not saying that believers should never make judgments. Instead, He was warning against taking the place of God by acting as if we have final authority over others.
Just a few verses later, in the same chapter, Jesus says not to give what is holy to dogs or to throw pearls before pigs. To follow that instruction, a person has to make a judgment. I’m speaking of a judgement that involves spiritual understanding. This shows that some level of discernment is necessary when handling sacred things, especially the message of the gospel.
The warning in Matthew 7:1 is really about pride and hypocrisy. Jesus was speaking against the religious leaders of the time who were treating others harshly, as if they had God’s insight and power. While Christians are called to evaluate right from wrong, they must remember that only God can make the final judgment, because only He sees everything clearly.
Do not judge by the outward appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”
John 7:24
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