No matter what you do in this life, you will most likely be criticized by someone. But the question is; Do we have the habit of criticism? What did Jesus say about Criticizing others in Scripture? He taught that instead of criticizing others, we should love them as we love ourselves. And, we should treat others as we would want them to treat us (Golden Rule). But, did we listen?
This is similar to trying to see a problem in another person’s life when we have a much bigger problem in our own. This message from Christ teaches that we should focus on our own shortcomings before trying to point the finger at someone else. Today, we’ll look at a quick passage from Matthew 7:1-6 to learn about the “log” in our eyes.
You may already know but let’s find out.
The Plank In Your Eye – What Did Jesus Say about Criticizing Others?
“Do not judge so that you will not be judged.
For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.
Why do you look at 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,’ and behold, the log is 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. – Matthew 7:1-5 NASB
“No One Ever Put Up a Monument to a Critic.” The Speck and the Plank (Log)
What is all this about a log in your eye and a speck? Human beings have an uncanny talent to see themselves differently than they see others.
For instance, let’s say you are engaged in a conversation with a person who swears with every other word. You can do one of three things ..
1. You can ignore the swearing and pretend you don’t hear the language he or she is using.
2. You can point out that you really don’t care for the language he is using which can have its own consequences.
3. You can start swearing yourself to try to fit in with the conversation.
The Tables Turned
There is no easy answer to this situation. But, if you choose option number three and join in the swearing, prepare to be judged.
He may remark to his friends & family that this “Christian” was cussing like a sailor! He doesn’t see himself as being insensitive to you.
What Did Christ Mean by “Do Not Judge”?
Jesus’ statement, ‘Do not judge,’ speaks against the kind of hypocritical, judgmental attitude that tears others down to build oneself up. For example, Jesus himself was criticized for dining with tax collectors and sinners.
No, the verse is not a blanket statement against all critical thinking, but a call to be discerning rather than negative. Jesus’ lesson here is clear: judge others with kindness and understanding, rather than with judgment and criticism.
Jesus said to expose false teachers (Matthew 7:15-23), and Paul taught that we should exercise church discipline (1 Corinthians 5:1,2). Finally, trust God to be the final Judge (1 Corinthians 4:3-5). So, we should take caution in who we listen to, and trust in God’s final judgement.
Our Judgment of Others – Final Thought
Let’s not invite judgment on ourselves in the future. Take the time to count to ten before judging someone else. This will help us to be more mindful of our own biases and preconceived notions. With that pause, we can take a step back and look at how our words and actions affect others. It also helps us to be more understanding of others and to be more compassionate.
FYI: When counting to ten — For some of us, the count should be 20! 🙂
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to discover how to receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to look at John 3:16 and take the first steps to learning what Christ can do in your life.