Judging 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.” (rf. Mt. 7:1–5 NASB)

In the light of our time in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount over the last several months, it seemed apropos for us to explore one of His lessons in print. As convicting as His words can be for us all, they remind us how much we need His saving and sustaining grace on a daily basis. This is especially true in our interactions with one another.   

Hypocrisy is a sin that is difficult for us to escape as Christians. In our desire to do what is right, good and pleasing to the Lord, we so often turn a blind eye to our own shortcomings and magnify the mistakes and faults of others around us, especially in those who are closest to us. We justify it by saying that it is only because we want what is best for them. Yet, in reality, in our own pridefulness, we are masking our imperfections by making others feel guilty about theirs. In seeing them squirm, it makes us feel better about how “good” we appear in contrast. Jesus tells us clearly that these motivations are wrong and are not in line with what He desires for His followers.

            In my experience, I have observed some who have struggled with weight issues who were overcome with guilt regarding their inability to drop pounds for their own benefit. This shame which was already well-grounded by their own feelings of pain and self-doubt was even more enhanced by close friends and family members who believed their words of “encouragement” were designed to prod their loved one to better health. However, the ones pointing the finger at their overweight counterparts were themselves in need of getting into better shape, of ridding themselves of unhealthy poundage. The latter, if asked about their own situation, would provide many excuses as to why it was perfectly normal for them to carry their added burden…yet, for others, the extra load must be jettisoned for their own best interest. As the old saying goes, “he who points a finger at others has three fingers of accusation pointing back at him!”

            We must be careful in our assessment of the situation of the people around us. This is Jesus’ point in the above passage. If we are quick to make “judgment calls” on what another should do, we must first ask ourselves if we have already accomplished the same. If we are benefiting from the action, especially in our relationship with the Lord, then it would be fitting for us to suggest this action to another as a blessing to his/her life. If, however, our idea is just that, an idea not personally validated, especially if we are suffering from the same malady, then we have no place to make such a recommendation until we have applied it personally.

            Lastly, we must be very careful in how we approach the predicaments of others. Unlike Almighty God, we do not, nor will we ever have all the information available on another person, what is in his/her heart, what is going on in his/her home/context/work, etc. All we have available is what we see at a given point in time and, quite frankly, that is not enough information to base any determination from our position. Jesus states that when we start judging others based on our limited knowledge, we will be judged “by the same measure” as we judged them. Considering our inadequate and restricted access to information, it would be highly unwise to pursue this course at all.

            Rather, we should focus on the following things. First of all, leave judgment to God. Only He knows all things about us. He alone has the capacity to judge wisely. Secondly, since we are all sinners and in need of grace, let us extend abundant grace to one another. Thirdly, in that same spirit, as fellow believers in Christ, let us be vessels of true encouragement to one another, building up with words that are borne out of our own experiences with His truth. Let us not urge others to do something that we have not done ourselves, especially if we have or have had the same affliction. In this way, the love of Christ finds a reality in and through our lives that is seldom seen and known in this world, yet is desperately needed to be shown.