Matthew 7:1-5- “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

Good morning! The passage we’re studying today discusses our concern for others, and Jesus challenges us to examine our hearts to ensure we are in the right place to do so!

As should any Christian, I have a deep concern for people who do not know Jesus. I can imagine everyone reading this has someone in their life who needs to get things in the right place with the Lord. How we share the gospel and point others toward Christ is vital, and it should be done in love, not in judgmental finger-pointing.

I recently had to attend an event where some people around me needed the light of Jesus in their lives. Of course, I was known as a pastor and the guy who always talks about Jesus. Rather than taking the opportunity to point out sins, I did my best to walk in a manner that did not judge but showed love, praying that God would use me to draw others to his truth.
If the body of Christ as a whole implemented this passage, churches would have fewer empty seats during service. This is because, oftentimes, we want to judge and point out what others have going on in their lives in a subconscious attempt to make ourselves feel better about what we have going on in our struggles in this life. However, when people are faced with “holier than thou” Christians who are quick to point a finger and judge someone, it leaves a bitter taste in the mouth of the accuser and a hurtful wound that would not draw anyone closer to God but push them away. This judgmental behavior not only fails to bring others closer to God but also creates a barrier between them and the church. We must remember that we are not called to judge and point fingers at others in an attempt to guide them; rather, we are called to direct others toward Jesus in a manner of Love just as Jesus would do.

Sometimes, you are the only bible anyone will ever read; exhibit love when you get the chance, not judgment.

• Tyler