Judging

Judging – Matt 7:1-5

Jesus has some harsh words and feelings towards those guilty of judging others.  He states emphatically do not judge or you will be judged.  Jesus exposes a reality and law of nature.  Whatever you sow you shall reap.  There are consequences to our actions.  Jesus says how you judge you will be judged and with the same way in which you measure or look at others is how others will measure and look at you.  Harshness brings harshness and love brings love.  Jesus is stating the obvious about how to deal with others.  There are no special people or occasions.  Whatever you do to others you will have done to you.  

Jesus then deals with how hypocrisy blinds us to our own faults and makes us look at others with a critical view.  Jesus uses the illustration of a small block of wood verses a beam; a perfect analogy for a carpenter.  Jesus calls the person who sees the bad in others and yet overlooks it in themselves is a hypocrite.  It is apparent that some of His audience were Pharisees and temple officials.  He was speaking directly to them but He was also condemning hypocrisy in whomever and whatever form it takes.  

Self examination is the hallmark of a Christian.  Allow the Holy Spirit to show you your heart today and take every precaution to make sure you are right with God.  Do not judge others and remember the law of sowing and reaping.  Love, forgive, be gracious and that will all come back to you.