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. Continue at Kevin DeYoung
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