Judging
Steve A. Farley
Mt: 7:1: Judge not, that ye be not judged.
The word judge in Matthew chapter 7 verse one comes from the Greek word “Krino”. The meaning is to assume the office of a judge. Many today will use this verse in order to convince themselves or others that we are never to pass judgment on others at anytime for any reason. Taken out of context or leaving this verse to stand alone, one could see how many come to this conclusion, but we should know that taking scripture out of context can many times give the wrong meaning and become very dangerous to our spiritual condition.
Jesus is giving us a warning in Matthew chapter seven, not to make any unrighteous or hypocritical judgments. (Note verses 2 through 5.) The concept or belief that we are never to judge, no matter what, isn’t found in Matthew chapter seven or anywhere else in scripture. As a matter of fact, in verse 6 of Matt. Chapter seven Jesus clearly gives us an example of making a judgment. We are never to present the truth (Gospel) to those whom we know will never receive it. Therefore, we have an example and duty to make or pass judgment on those who Jesus terms as “dogs and hogs”.
Judgments should never be made out of malice or hatred, but out of love for the individual’s soul, and judging others based on any standard other than God’s word is never acceptable.
The word judge in Matthew chapter 7 verse one comes from the Greek word “Krino”. The meaning is to assume the office of a judge. Many today will use this verse in order to convince themselves or others that we are never to pass judgment on others at anytime for any reason. Taken out of context or leaving this verse to stand alone, one could see how many come to this conclusion, but we should know that taking scripture out of context can many times give the wrong meaning and become very dangerous to our spiritual condition.
Jesus is giving us a warning in Matthew chapter seven, not to make any unrighteous or hypocritical judgments. (Note verses 2 through 5.) The concept or belief that we are never to judge, no matter what, isn’t found in Matthew chapter seven or anywhere else in scripture. As a matter of fact, in verse 6 of Matt. Chapter seven Jesus clearly gives us an example of making a judgment. We are never to present the truth (Gospel) to those whom we know will never receive it. Therefore, we have an example and duty to make or pass judgment on those who Jesus terms as “dogs and hogs”.
Judgments should never be made out of malice or hatred, but out of love for the individual’s soul, and judging others based on any standard other than God’s word is never acceptable.
Jn: 7:24: Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
