What Jesus teaches about Judgment
Introduction
Have you ever found yourself passing judgment on someone for the way they act, the things they say, or the decisions they make? It is a common human tendency. Just as common is the fear of being judged. What does God say about judging others, and how we are judged ourselves? Today, let’s dive into Jesus’s teachings about judgment.
Jesus’s words are a profound source of wisdom related to living a righteous life. His teaching on judgment, in particular, is thought-provoking. His message teaches us about tolerance, empathy, understanding but above all, love. It is an exploration into judging others, but also the judgments we will face.
Bible Verse
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” – Matthew 7:1-2
Meaning
Jesus’s teachings in these verses serve as a keen reminder that choosing judgment closes the heart. When we make quick judgments about people and circumstances, we often miss out on understanding their truth or complexity. It’s an encouragement to show empathy, patience, tolerance, and kindness.
The verses are also a reflection of a universal truth known as the Law of Reciprocity – one harvests what one sows. In essence, Jesus is saying that the judgments we make about others will be the standard by which we ourselves are judged. It’s an incentive to refrain from passing judgment on others and instead, to treat everyone with respect and understanding.
Actions to Take
- Cultivate empathy: Try to understand the perspectives of others before making judgments.
- Show kindness: Even when you don’t agree with someone, convey respect and love.
- Self-reflection: Look inwards regularly to see if there’s judgment within your heart, and ask God to soften it if there is.
- Confess: If you catch yourself judging, confess it as a sin and ask for God’s forgiveness.
- Be accountable: Encourage a trusted friend or family member to highlight when you’re passing judgment.
Journal Prompts
- Reflect on a time where you caught yourself judging someone. How did it make you feel afterward?
- What measures could you take to refrain from judging others?
- How does it feel when you experience judgement from others?
- How can God’s grace in your life help you to refrain from judging others?
- How can diversity and difference draw us closer to God rather than cause separation?
Prayer
Dear God, help me to see others through Your eyes of love and understanding. Teach me to lean into love, not into judgment. Give me the ability to appreciate the diversity in Your creation, rather if judging differences. Thank You for the grace You extend to me. Empower me to extend that same grace to others. In Your name, Amen.
Social Posts
- “God’s love is a call to see others the way He does.” #NoJudgment
- “In the eyes of God, we are all equal.” #NoJudgment
- “Whatever measure you use, it will be measured to you. Spread love, not judgment.” #JesusTeaches
- “Jesus calls us to love, understand, and forgive each other. Don’t judge.” #JesusTaughtMe
- “Don’t judge someone because they sin differently. Remember, you also need grace.” #NoJudgment
Conclusion
In a world where it’s easy to judge, these words from Jesus are indeed revolutionary. The true lesson here is not just about the repercussions of judging others, but the necessity for love, understanding, and appreciation of diversity. So, let’s aim for progress, spiritual growth, empathy, love, and connection. Let’s strive to use the measuring rod of love and compassion as our standard.
Thanks for joining us today. We hope you found strength and inspiration through Jesus’s teachings about judgment and we look forward to bringing you another insightful devotion at BGodInspired.com.
Journaling – Your Pathway to Purposeful Mornings!
Q&A about what Jesus teaches about Judgment
Q: What does Jesus teach about judgment in the Bible?
A: Jesus teaches that judgment belongs only to God and admonishes people not to judge others. This can be seen in Matthew 7:1, where Jesus says, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” He emphasizes that the same measure used to judge others will be used against us.
Q: Does Jesus talk about self-judgment in his teachings?
A: Jesus does not directly address the concept of self-judgment. However, he does encourage people to examine their own actions and intentions. For example, he says that before you judge someone for a speck in their eye, you should first remove the plank from your own eye (Matthew 7:3-5).
Q: How does Jesus relate the idea of mercy to judgment?
A: In his teachings, Jesus often connects mercy with judgment. He tells us in Matthew 5:7, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy”. By suggesting that we will be judged in the same way we judge others, Jesus encourages followers to be merciful in their judgments.
Q: According to Jesus, who has the authority to judge?
A: Jesus makes it clear that all authority to judge has been given to Him by God the Father as stated in John 5:22, “Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son.”
Q: What does Jesus teach us about final judgment?
A: Jesus teaches about final judgment in passages such as Matthew 25:31-46, where He separates the righteous (“sheep”) from the wicked (“goats”), rewarding the righteous with eternal life and punishing the wicked with eternal separation from God. He emphasizes that our actions towards others, specifically the needy and downtrodden, have a large bearing on our judgment.
Q: What is Jesus’ perspective on passing judgment prematurely?
A: Jesus cautions against passing judgment prematurely or without full knowledge. In John 7:24, He advises to “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly,” indicating that only God, with His all-seeing knowledge, can pass accurate and righteous judgment.
Q: According to the teachings of Jesus, are believers subject to judgment?
A: According to Jesus, while believers will escape condemnation because they’ve accepted Him (John 3:18), they will still face a form of judgment where their works will be tested and rewarded accordingly. This can be seen in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 3:12-15).
