When Jesus taught his followers to not be judgmental, he was not telling us to refrain from discernment. Instead, he was pointing to a critical spirit that too easily creeps into our lives.
This is a message that is entirely consistent with his teaching in the Sermon on the Mount.
“Do not judge, so that you may not be judged.
For the judgment you give will be the judgment you get, and the measure you give will be the measure you get” (Matthew 7.1-2).
In light of Jesus’ command to not have a critical spirit, I think it’s worth examining what Jesus has already said on the issue. In the Beatitudes, He blesses people who are merciful and who are peacemakers.
As we look at our inner selves, that is the attitude we should take toward other people.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy” (Matthew 5.7).
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5.9).
It is very difficult to follow Jesus’ directions about not being full of anger or condemnation of others, and at the same time have a critical spirit.
“But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment, and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council, and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire” (Matthew 5.22).
How can we love our enemies and have negative thoughts toward them at the same time?
“I say to you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5.44-45).
As we sincerely pray the Lord’s Prayer and ask for God’s forgiveness, we will also extend the same grace to others that we’re requesting from God.
“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6.12)
Jesus has similar words to say about forgiveness as he does about critically judging other people. When we fail to forgive or fail to offer gracious thoughts toward others, we are bringing similar condemnation upon ourselves.
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 5.14-15)
How?
When I read Jesus’ words my prayer is, “These verses tell me to avoid being judgmental, Lord. But honestly, I struggle. How can I let go of this urge to evaluate others?”
Jesus’ illustration in the following verses that will help us reflect on being judgmental.
“Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye but do not notice the log in your own eye?
“Or how can you say to your neighbor, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while 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 neighbor’s eye” (Matthew 7.3-5).
When I’m honest with myself, I realize that it’s easier for me to find another person’s faults than it is to see where I am failing.
All too often, I expect grace from other people while I hold them up to a standard that I expect them to reach. This piece of insight should help me pause before I am critical of other people.
The story of the log in the eye from Jesus offers another important clue. It suggests that before I critically evaluate others, I should ask Jesus to reveal my shortcomings.
By understanding my blind spots, I can better understand my thought processes and approach judgments with more humility.
There’s a principle that we all need to follow. If Jesus says something once, it is important. When Jesus says something many times and in different ways, it is extremely important.
The importance of Jesus’s message here should impact us and cause us to change our behavior.
Discernment – Not a Critical Spirit
It is clear from the Bible verses that we have considered that Jesus does not want us to have a critical and judgmental spirit. However, He does want us to show discernment. His next thought makes that point.
“Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul you” (Matthew 7.6).
In today’s YouTube video, Rudy Ross makes the point that it is appropriate for us to walk away from conversations where people are unwilling to listen to our thoughts. We don’t have to judge them or condemn them, but we can walk away and not engage with them.
I appreciate Dallas Willard’s comment on this Bible verse. He says the reason why you don’t give pearls to pigs is that they need food, not jewelry.
When we’re speaking with someone, we need to keep in mind to tailor our message in such a way that they can receive it.
A critical spirit will not help, but a generous, loving, peacemaking spirit will.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross and I discussed this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 