“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment.” – Matthew 7:1 (MSB)
The life of a Believer is not one that is marked by perfection yet because it is a journey that takes a lifetime and this means that inasmuch as you are in the flesh, you can make mistakes, have failures, and be faulty in certain matters, however, this shouldn’t give room for condemnation and castigation.
There are many scenarios where people, both young and old, in the Church make mistakes and then they are condemned, not corrected. There is a wide gap of difference between condemnation and correction. Jesus had to teach this to His disciples because He knew a time would come when Peter would deny Him. He also knew a time would come when the two sons of Zebedee would make a request of Christ that the disciples did want. He was preparing their minds to accommodate such people, love them, correct them and extend the hand of fellowship even in their mistakes, inasmuch as they would be willing to humble themselves.
However, you have heard ‘Do not judge’ so many times and it means different things to many people but in the context of what Christ was teaching His disciples here, He was not giving permission to His disciples to live against the commands of the Scriptures but in a case of mistakes, they shouldn’t be judged and condemned harshly.
The story of the woman caught in adultery by the Jews and was brought to Jesus explains this teaching well in context. They captured only the woman but left the man with whom she was committing adultery. What hypocrisy! The reason many judge others harshly is not because they are interested in people doing the right things but for their hypocrisy.
Dear Believer, do not judge people. And this does not mean to keep quiet and allow evil thrive amongst the brethren. You have the obligation to speak against evil. And when a fellow brother makes mistakes, correct in love and be willing to restore such person. If you do not have access to the person, you can always pray that the Lord will help his restoration. Don’t sit to condemn people because you are not perfect as well and you can make mistakes. Be careful. Blessings.
Practical Application: Can you recall how many believers left church because they were discarded and judged harshly for their mistakes? Or have you experienced such yourself? How did you handle it?
Confession: The Spirit of Christ which is the Spirit of love is in me and He helps me to love people genuinely. I correct brethren in love even as I stand against any evil they do. I help believers who have fallen to find their feet again in Christ. I work not for condemnation but for reconciliation for this is the ministry I have been given.
Related Scripture: Matthew 7:1-5, Luke 6:37-42
Bible Reading: John 8
