April 20, 2016: SOAP #2330: 1Samuel 23; Psalm 31,54; Matthew 7

Scripture: Matthew (NIV) 7:1 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way as you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Observation: Surely this is one of the more well-known verses in the Bible—or at least much quoted. “Do not judge” is commonly quoted by someone who is being accused of doing something wrong and they do not want to hear it.

Application: However, when I see this verse in the light of its immediate context and of other scriptures about judging, it becomes clear that I am not being told not to judge, but how to judge. According to the following three verses, the priority in judging is to first judge myself. “Then I will see clearly…” to judge my brother. A second key point in judging is to remember that I will be judged with the same criteria I use to judge others. I should judge others as I want to be judged.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, you have been so gracious to me. May your grace flow through me to others. Holy Spirit, as a person needing mercy, remind me to be merciful. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!