The Bible Doesn’t Say That: Do Not Judge

The Bible Doesn't Say That Part 3 - Our culture pushes against any sort of "judgment." When someone brings, opinions, critiques, evaluations, or assessments, we squirm. Why? Because the narratives of society say that no one should tell us how to live or what to do. After all, doesn't Jesus say, "Do not judge"? Today we explore the teaching that Jesus gave in Matthew 7:1-5 and find out that Jesus was more concerned with our attitude of judgment, not the action of judgment itself. We need the gospel to shape our lives so that the judgment we bring is rooted in the humble truth that each one of us deserve to be judged for our sin.

 

1. Reflect: Think of a time where someone judged you. How did it make you feel? Was the person right in their judgment? What hurt more, the action of judgment or the attitude of judgment?


2. Write: Write out the areas of people’s lives where you tend to be more judgmental? A good way to determine this is by finishing the sentence: “How could they _______.” (i.e. “wear that” “say that” “go there” “buy that” “watch that” “drink that” etc.)



3. Read: John 8:1-11. Jesus teaches the accusers that proper judgment only comes when we see that we are guilty too. Humility! 



4. Do: Spend five minutes in front of the mirror today reading Romans 7:21 - 8:4 out loud. End with a prayer of praise thanking Jesus for being judged on your behalf.



5. Pray: Adore God for being so grand and holy. He is perfect and requires perfection. Admit that too often you judge others in order to justify yourself. Aspire to look to Jesus daily. To judge FULLY from a heart of humility.