The Public Lives of Successful Christians: Part 1 - Compassion instead of Condemnation

The Public Lives of Successful Christians

Part 1: Compassion vs. Condemnation

[Mat 7:1-5 ]

1 "Judge not, that you be not judged.

2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.

3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?

4 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye?

5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.

This passage is perhaps one of the most quoted (and misquoted) verses of the Bible. Standing alone, it might seem to indicate that to follow Christ, one must have no moral judgment about anything; however, no verse stands alone.[1]

Definition: Judge/judgment

The word krino implies “to try, condemn or punish”.[2] Further definition involves criticism and censure.

Judgment in itself is not evil. God is the Supreme Judge of all the earth.[3] Jesus is also referred to as Judge both prophetically and by commandment.[4] It is clear that he will judge the affairs of men.[5]

Other passages in the Bible make it clear that Christians cannot live their lives free of making moral decisions.[6] There exists in all of our lives realms of influence and authority which require wisdom and judgment.[7] Abraham was chosen by God (in part at least) because he exercised good judgment.[8] Likewise, God still promises to guide the meek in judgment.[9] The book of Proverbs was in fact written with the purpose of instilling good judgment into its readers.[10] The Lord expects us to exercise judgment in our own lives.

Jesus is teaching us not to try to usurp the role of God. When we position ourselves as someone's judge we are usurping the authority of God. He has the authority condemn and sentence. You and I do not.

[Jas 4:11 ESV]

11 Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.

12 There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?

Because we know that God stands in judgment against sin, we should be motivated by mercy. Several sources suggest that the Jewish Rabbis of Jesus' day taught that inherent in the scriptures there was evidence that God judged mankind with two different “measures”. One was a measure of judgment. The other was a measure of mercy. Whether or not Jesus was referring to such a rabbinical teaching, it is clear that he is telling us that “what goes around comes around” in terms of judgment. Sin is sin because only God says so. My opinion is of no weight in matters of eternal judgment.

Questions to ask when making judgment calls.

1.            Do I have direct authority or responsibility in this instance?

2.            Do I have a general authority or responsibility in this instance?

3.            If I insert myself can I have a positive influence?

4.            Are my actions/statements fueled by pride, self-righteousness, hurt, or embarrassment?

5.            Are my actions/statements fueled by compassion?

6.            Am I more concerned about my brother's behavior or the condition of his soul?

Do we ever speak out against sin?

The answer, of course, is “yes”, but we never cite his judgment in hopes of invoking his execution of that judgment. Instead, we should hope in invoke his mercy. Our voice is not one of condemnation. Ours is a voice of redemption and deliverance.

The splinter and the beam.

Notice, Jesus is not forbidding the removal of eye irritants. He is forbidding blind eye surgeons. If we seek to stand in judgment of others it is most likely that we are totally blind to our own sins. As long as a person tries to operate under the illusion of self-righteousness, he or she will be useless in the Kingdom of God.

It is only by grace that any of us are saved. When we truly realize this, we can then genuinely help those around us.

To view the next lesson in this series, click HERE.

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[1]2 Timothy 2:14-16, Isaiah 28:9-10

[2]Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

[3]Hebrews 12:23, Genesis 8:25, Psalm 75:6-7

[4]Micah 5:1-2, Acts 10:42

[5]Psalm 9:7-8, Proverbs 29:26, Matthew 12:36, John 5:26-29, Hebrews 9:27

[6]1 Peter 4:7, 1 Corinthians 11:31,

[7]James 1:5

[8]Genesis 18:19

[9]Psalm 25:9

[10]Proverbs 1:3