"Don't judge other people, and God will not judge you. If you judge other people, you will be judged in the same way you judge them. And the way you give to other people will be the way God gives to you.
- Matthew 7:1-2 (ERV)
THOUGHT:
- Matthew 7:1-2 (ERV)
THOUGHT:
As Matthew continues his presentation of Jesus' great teaching, he wants us to hear the Lord's words on how to live in our world. The previous verses have focused on how to deal with our concerns for provision and our desires for more things.
In the next few verses, the focus will be on our treatment of others. Jesus doesn't want us to fault-find, gossip, or be cynical and harshly critical of those around us. He doesn't want us to assume that we know the motives of others' hearts. He wants us to be gracious to others as God has been gracious with us. However, if we choose to ignore his words, he warns that God will judge us with the same standard we use on others. Pretty sobering reminder to be gracious!
PRAYER:
PRAYER:
Forgive me Father, for the times I have been less than kind about one of your children. I am sorry, because I know that you have so much more to be disappointed about in me than I do in others.
Father, I want you to help me now, as I pray; please remove any bitter or critical spirit that infects my character. Through your Holy Spirit, form in me the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control that show your presence and transformation in my life. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Related Scriptures:
You cannot judge another person's servant. His own master decides if he is doing right or wrong. And the Lord's servant will be right, because the Lord is able to make him right. - Romans 14:4
Brothers, and sisters, don't complain against each other. If you don't stop complaining, you will be judged guilty. And the Judge is ready to come! - James 5:9
It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. - 1 Corinthians 5:12
Related Scriptures:
You cannot judge another person's servant. His own master decides if he is doing right or wrong. And the Lord's servant will be right, because the Lord is able to make him right. - Romans 14:4
Brothers, and sisters, don't complain against each other. If you don't stop complaining, you will be judged guilty. And the Judge is ready to come! - James 5:9
It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. - 1 Corinthians 5:12
