by Jennie Carter
Day 1 – Read Matthew 7: 1-6
In Verse 1 Jesus says, “Do not judge or you too will be judged.”
In our culture the word “judge” can take on many meanings. It can mean what type of punishment ought to be imposed on a criminal, it can mean to discern between right and wrong; or it can mean to form an opinion or conclusion about another person, their choices, intent and heart.
The Greek word originally used in this passage is krino (kree-no) which means to decide (mentally or judicially), avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, esteem, judge, call to question, think, sentence to ordain.
For me “do not judge” refers to conclusions I make and/or think that call one into question and can have very damning consequences. My thoughts and judgments can be immediate and made on appearances or they can be made in response to someone’s words, belief system, choices, or actions. Sometimes I am aware I am making them, other times I am not. Most of the times I don’t verbalize them but sometimes I do.
When you read Matthew 7:1 what meaning does the word judge take on for you and how does it translate into your own life? Are there others you are quick to judge? Do you know them by name? Are there particular group associations or choices that trigger judgment in you?
Day 2 - Read Matthew 7:1-6, focus on verses 3-4; Read Romans 2:1 and Romans 3:9
Paul reiterates what Jesus is stating in His parable, that not one of us has the right to judge others because we have all sinned. Ironically, many times the sins that seem so present and obvious to us in others are sins that have taken root in ourselves.
All of us sin much more than others see and even more than we admit to ourselves. Jesus reminds us of this when He forgives an adulterous woman in John 8:7, stating to the crowd “if anyone of you is without sin, let him be first to throw a stone at her.”
What sins in others make you want to pick up a stone?
Are you knowingly throwing “stones” to make yourself look or feel better? Are you unaware of the “stones” you throw?
Take a minute to listen to or read the lyrics of the following two songs on judgment:
“What It’s Like” by Everlast (Note that lyrics are not “G” rated)
“If We Are The Body” by Casting Crowns
How, if at all, do these two songs speak to you?
What sins in your own life are you having trouble letting go of, or untangling from?
Take time to pray and ask God to open your eyes and heart to unrecognized sin and judgment in your daily walk.
Read 1 Corinthians 12:24-27 and be reminded that every single one of us makes up the body of Christ! I have to constantly remind myself that there is not one person Christ did not die for, not one.
Day 3 – Read Matthew 7:1-6, focus on Verse 4-5
“... first take the plank out of your own eye...”
One of the points Jesus seems to be making here is that instead of being quick to judge others we need to start with ourselves. Instead of becoming defensive, making excuses or justifying our actions we, like David, need to admit our sins, ask for mercy, forgiveness, cleansing and a heart right with God.
Read Psalm 51 - In verses 1-7 David is repenting, turning and asking for forgiveness. What sixth request of God is David making in verses 10-12?
How is it that following David’s lead in Psalm 51 will aid us in removing the plank form our own eye?
Read Isaiah 55:6-7 - I find great comfort in God’s word that tells me even in my sin He grants me do overs. God promises that if we seek God we will find Him, if we forsake sin and turn toward Him, He will have mercy.
Read Exodus 14:14 and be reminded that God is on your side.
Day 4 – Read Matthew 7:1-6; Read Psalm 5:13
David shows us that when we experience God’s forgiveness of our sins that we naturally want to share His mercy and love toward others. Judgment and condemnation seem to melt away.
Recall/write about a time you have experienced God’s mercy and forgiveness and how it opened your eyes to others.
When we catch ourselves judging others we need to recall our own “plank” and the amazing forgiveness shed for us on the cross.
Read the following passages and record, in your own words, what you hear God speaking to you in each about judgment.
Ephesians 2:7-9, James 2:13, Isaiah 55:9, 1 Corinthians 4:3-5
Day 5 – Read Matthew 7:1-6, focus on verse 6
There have been many times in my life that I have been unable or unwilling to hear and heed God’s word and love in my life. If I am honest it is usually due to a barrier I have constructed – an idol I have in place, a sin that has become a crutch or I like to much to let go of, and/or pure stubbornness. Similarly there have been some I have tried to share God’s word and love with and find my head throbbing from the sudden crash into their “wall”.
In both scenarios, the “pearls” were trampled and unlike the positive outcome in Matthew 18:15, there was no “winning over”, at least not in that moment in time.
When we haven’t walked in another’s shoes, so to speak, and don’t understand their choices or the walls they have built then it makes it difficult for us to verbally share God’s love without coming across as pious or judgmental. It is equally difficult for our words to be received by one who feels misunderstood and/or shame thus the hyperbole “... they may trample them under their feet and the turn and tear you to pieces.”
What then are we to do if our pearls will just be trampled and we risk being turned on? Read the following passages:
Matthew 22:37-39 John 15:12 Ephesians 4:2-3 Hebrews 10: 24-25
We are called to love not judge.
“Whenever you are confronted with an opponent. Conquer him with love.” Mahatma Gandhi
How that looks will be different in each relationship but all begins in prayer.
Casting Crowns song, “Prayer For A Friend”, is an excellent reminder of lifting up those in need instead of judging.
I am reminded, as I end, that it starts with me and sometimes the “friend” I need to lift up in prayer is myself.
One can make a difference! “We must become the change we want to see.” Mahatma Gandhi
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