Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.
Jesus. Matthew 7:1, 2. Hi, it’s Nathan, and this is Day 23 of 30 Days on the Mount of Blessing, PT 2.
After focusing on so many aspects of good living, Jesus addresses an issue that he knows every one of us will run up against: using what we know is right as a standard by which to examine and criticize the lives of others. Don’t do it, Jesus instructs. Truth is never given as a tool to tear others down or size up their relationship with God. My knowledge of good is intended to transform me—to make me a life-giving agent of blessing to everyone around me. It’s never meant to make me a life-sucking critic. Then he adds, the critical attitude and unreasonable expectations I place on others, will be turned on me. Do I find myself feeling the sting of a co-worker’s criticism? The indignity of my spouse? Do I never seem to be able to do anything right? Well, just maybe, that’s exactly how I make others feel. Even when I don’t say a word.
