A lot of times, it is fun to watch people. We do not know them or their background. When we look at people, sometimes we think certain things about them. We may be right or wrong; we may never know.
“Do not judge and criticize and condemn [others unfairly with an attitude of self-righteous superiority as though assuming the office of a judge], so that you will not be judged [unfairly]. For just as you [hypocritically] judge others [when you are sinful and unrepentant], so will you be judged; and in accordance with your standard of measure [used to pass out judgment], judgment will be measured to you. Why do you look at the [insignificant] speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice and acknowledge the [egregious] log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me get the speck out of your eye,’ when there is a log in your own eye? You hypocrite (play-actor, pretender), first get the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:1-5; Amplified Bible)
In our culture, there is an overwhelming need to be accepted or have tolerance of others good or bad. No judgment.
In Jesus’s day, the religious leaders were very self- righteous. They thought that they were better than the average person.
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.” (Matthew 7:1-5; The Message)
As Christians, we can also be prideful when interacting with others. We think that we are better than most people, “sinners.” We are just like them; only we know who can save us from our sins.
When Jesus told us not to judge, He was talking about self- righteousness. When you think that you are better than someone, we are comparing ourselves with them. We believe that we are “better” but really we are not.
When we look down at the faults of others, it is because our pride blinds us.
Arrogance, pride, and self-righteousness can cause us to pass condemnation on them.
Every time I read Matthew 7:1-5, it speaks to me to examine my heart.
Do I question the motives of the people around me?
Do I think that I am better than them?
Is there pride and self-righteousness in my heart?
Do I condemn them for what they do or how they look?
Sadly, I would have to say yes. At times, I do and have done all of those things. My pride gets in the way of loving others as Jesus loves them. The true Judge.
“Lord, heal my prideful and self-righteous heart. Please help me not to step into your place of Judge and jury in the lives of people around me. Help me to love them as you have loved me.”
