“avoid judgment” (mt 7:1)
“If you want to avoid judgment...” —Matthew 7:1
“If you want to avoid judgment, stop passing judgment” on others’ character and motives (Mt 7:1). If we judge others’ character and motives, we will have the same verdict passed on us (Mt 7:2). “If you want to avoid judgment,” repent of your own sins, and then help others repent (see Mt 7:5).
If we want to avoid judgment, we must forgive those who have sinned against us. Otherwise, we will not be forgiven (Mt 6:15), and we will be in no position to help others to be reconciled with the Lord.
In summary, to avoid coming under judgment, we must:
- not judge others’ character or motives,
- repent of our sins,
- help others to reconcile with God, and
- forgive others.
By God’s grace, we must do all of these things, or we risk being judged. “Avoid judgment” (Mt 7:1).
Prayer: “If you want to avoid judgment, stop passing judgment” on others’ character and motives (Mt 7:1). If we judge others’ character and motives, we will have the same verdict passed on us (Mt 7:2). “If you want to avoid judgment,” repent of your own sins, and then help others repent (see Mt 7:5). If we want to avoid judgment, we must forgive those who have sinned against us. Otherwise, we will not be forgiven (Mt 6:15), and we will be in no position to help others to be reconciled with the Lord. In summary, to avoid coming under judgment, we must: • not judge others’ character or motives, • repent of our sins, • help others to reconcile with God, and • forgive others. By God’s grace, we must do all of these things, or we risk being judged. “Avoid judgment” (Mt 7:1).
Promise: “Then you will see clearly to take the speck from your brother’s eye.” —Mt 7:5
Praise: Shortly before his martyrdom, St. Thomas More wrote, “Nothing can come but what God wills. And I am very sure that whatever that be, however bad it may seem, it shall indeed be the best.”
Reference: (For a related teaching on Seek First the Kingdom, view, download or order our leaflet on our website.)
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