“Do not judge and you will not be judged.” Luke 6:37
In today’s society of over-tolerance and lack of personal responsibility, this command of Jesus seems to fit right in. But does it allow us to be wrapped up in our own little world doing what we want because we are not to judge and others are not to judge us? Nothing could be farther from the truth.
Jesus did not say we should not speak out against hypocrisy. He did not say we should silently allow atrocities such as abortion, child abuse, elderly neglect and sex slavery to exist in our communities. He did not say we should ignore the fact that someone has lied or cheated or stolen, no matter their power or stature in society. Justice must reign. Civic laws must be obeyed.
So what did Jesus say? Jesus says judgment is final, unwavering. We are not called to do that. Only God can judge, but we can act as His servants to lead a person to ask for forgiveness so he or she may be justified through Christ. Sure there may be consequences for their actions, but no one is beyond redemption.
Earlier in the same chapter, Jesus commands us to: love our enemies (see them as fellow sinners in need of a Savior); turn the other cheek (do not let our emotions get in the way); pray for those who mistreat us (give them to God); and be merciful (see them through God’s eyes). That’s justice God’s way, not taking judgment into our own hands.
Heavenly Father, only You have the right to judge. Thank You for forgiving my sins through the power of the cross. Teach me to see others not as people who need judgment, but people who need Your justice in their lives. Show me how I can help in that process. Amen.
The next time you are quick to judge, stop and ask God to alter your attitude so you might be an instrument in bringing that person to true justice—through Jesus.
By Julie Cosgrove
Used by Permission
Further Reading
• The Only Totally Fair Judge!
• The Old Apple Tree – lesson from a tree on bearing fruit as a Christian
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