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THIS WEEK’S BIBLE INSIGHTS ARE BY:
Abi Figueroa and are based on Matthew 7:1-14 (NIV)
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO READ MORE ON THIS WEEK’S MAJOR THEME:
John 7:10-24
1 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye...
6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 12 “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you...
13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
Sunday February 9 - Which type of judgment? “Do not judge or you too will be judged.” Matthew 7:1
Being ‘judgmental’. This is probably what our culture would currently define as one of the worst sins! In contrast, “Live and let live”, “Don’t question another’s truth” and “As long as it makes you happy...” are some of the popular ideas that now underpin and influence our behaviour. But let’s get something straight: Jesus never said there was no judgment. He is quite clear that we will all face judgment, and in fact he gives us guidance on how to judge: in John 7:24 Jesus says, “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”
So what’s the difference between these two types of judgment? ‘Correct judgment’ is about a holy wisdom that compels us to align ourselves with whatever is godly, which in turn fills us with compassion for those whose behaviour has distanced them from God. This is very different from the condemning, hierarchical judgment we see in Matthew 7:1-5 which warns against pride and an over-inflated ego.
The difference comes down to attitude. What matters to you as you judge – your own superiority or the love God has for everyone and his desire to call them to salvation? We know that God will judge. We must let him do what he alone can do, whilst we aspire to being righteous in our attitude towards others.
Lord, as I notice sin in the world, help me to first of all be accountable to you in regard to my own sin. Amen.
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PRAYER FOR TODAY