Believers: Judge Not

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Nearing the end of his Sermon on The Mount, Jesus teaches, his disciples – and Believers – “judge not.” A scrutiny of this scripture reveals “judge” is used without an object. Jesus did not say for example, “judge not your brothers.”  He just says “judge not”. What is it  Christians should not judge? Is Jesus saying, Believers should not judge others, or other Believers? What did Christ teach?

Judge Defined

When using “judge” without an object some possible meanings include:

1. To act as a judge; pass judgment;
2. To form an opinion or estimate and;
3. To make a mental judgment.

Judge Not? – What Should Believers Not Judge?

Jesus teaches his disciples – and us – “Judge not, that ye be not judged”, Matthew 7:1. What in particular, Christians should not pass judgment on? And why should Christians judge not? What did Jesus mean, what did he teach?

Jesus Teaches – Do Not be Hypocrites

How can someone who cannot see clearly, assist by seeing, another person who has better vision? Jesus teaches his Believers, such a person should first rectify his vision problems then when he can see “clearly” assist his “brother”, Matthew 7:3 -4. But how is this relevant to “judge not?”

In this Sermon on The Mount, Jesus teaches his disciples “judge not” another person’s faults or short comings. First address the “beam” in your eyes then when you are seeing clearly you can give aid and give advise to another person. In other words, why should Christians judge not? Jesus teaches Christians should not pass judgment, nor form opinions or make mental judgment of another person lifestyle while they are in a similar or worst situation. Jesus teaches, Believers do not be hypocrites. “For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged”, 1 Corinthians 11:31.

Why Christians Should – Judge Not

Finally, according to Matthew chapter seven verses one and two (Matt., 7:1-2), Christ teaches his disciples (and Christians), a Believer who is not living a righteous and holy Christian lifestyle should not form  opinions about other Believers who are living according to sound Christian principles. ” For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again”, Matthew 7:2. The opinions you form of others, others will formulate similar judgments of you. What you give is what you will receive.

In closing, Believers and the world, often times use “judge not” in a general manner but “judge not” is not a generic term.  Jesus teaches, judge not should be used specifically as it relates to hypocrites and their forming opinions, or judgments  about others.

Tagged as: christ, hypocrites, Jesus, judge not, teach