Why So Judgmental?

Introduction:

We live in such a pivotal time in history. With the division of racial injustice, moral instability, political unrest, and a pandemic causing a social stir, there is no telling how this will all pan out. All this unrest is forcing people to choose sides on all these issues all at the same time. If you're like me, you have come down on one side or the other on all of these issues.

How can the gospel of the kingdom help heal our nation and bring God's peace into our lives?

As Jesus was delivering the proclamation of His kingdom, He spoke much about being judgmental toward others. Jesus knew that judgment closes doors of opportunity, but love and forbearance make way for redemption. But before we look at the words of Jesus in Matthew 7, we must have a firm grasp on the character of God.

The Character of God

First, we must understand the character and nature of God. God is no respecter of persons.

Romans 2:11 ESV

For God shows no partiality.

When God looks at you, he doesn't judge you by your skin color or political stance. He doesn't care more for the rich than he does for the poor. God shows mercy and grace to everyone who humbles themselves before him.

Second, we must conclude that God is the only Judge of any consequence. He will judge the world for sin and unrighteousness.

Psalm 7:11–13 ESV

God is a righteous judge, and a God who feels indignation every day. If a man does not repent, God will whet his sword; he has bent and readied his bow; he has prepared for him his deadly weapons, making his arrows fiery shafts.

Matthew 10:28 ESV

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

James 4:12 ESV

There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?

Third, we must dispel the idea that "If you don't agree with me than your judging me." And, "if you don't affirm my actions you don't accept me."

God showed his love for us even while we were sinners. His basis of acceptance is the righteousness of Christ and not our own. The love of God extends to every human being, shown by His Son's sacrifice, Jesus Christ, for all humanity.

1 John 4:10–11 ESV

In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

Illustration: Papa and the Liquor store

Although I didn't agree or approve of my grandfather's drinking habits, it didn't change my love and acceptance of him one bit. In all honesty, I was the one that felt judged and embarrassed.

You don’t have to agree to love.

You don’t have to affirm to accept.

Now that we have God's character in view and a proper grasp of His love, acceptance, and judgment, we can better understand the proclamation of Jesus in Matthew 7.

Four Rules of Judgement

1. Judgment is a two-way street.

Others judge you by the standard you set.

Matthew 7:1–2 ESV

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.

Illustration: In Texas, I did a lot of recovery ministry. I remember talking with a man who had been a drug attic all his life and found some help through the gospel and our recovery process. He spoke of some of his drug buddies and said, "Can you believe those crackheads!" and I looked at him and said, "You just came out of that pit. You haven't even got all the mud off yet. How quickly we forget."

2. Judge yourself and help others.

Matthew 7:3–5 ESV

Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

Heal so you can help.

Righteousness breeds repentance in others.

Galatians 6:1–2 ESV

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

You can only help those who want to be helped.

Matthew 7:6 ESV

“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.

Illustration: Splitter in your index finger.

3. You get what you give.

Matthew 7:7–11 ESV

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

God is generous to those who ask of Him.

We should be giving to those who ask us.

4. Live by the Golden Rule

Matthew 7:12 ESV

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Treat others the way you want others to treat you.

This is what it means to love your neighbor as yourself.

Closing Thoughts

What log do you need to remove so that you can see clearly to help others?

Get someone else to examine you.

Let someone else help you.

Spend more time judging yourself than judging others.

Leave the judging to God and learn to love well.