What Jesus teaches about Judgment
Introduction
Imagine a world where every judgment is absolutely fair, utterly precise, and imbued with boundless love. This is the world Jesus teaches us of in the Scriptures, a world where the Master’s judgment is based on divine wisdom and boundless love, rather than human biases and fallibility.
Through Jesus’ teachings, we’ll explore the gentle but powerful reality of divine judgement inviting you to reconsider any doubts or fears you might have about being judged by God. Walk with us as we delve into the world of judgment according to Christ, and let’s kindle a transformative understanding in our hearts.
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’ teachings on judgment challenge us to rid ourselves of any habits of indiscriminate judging and criticising others. In this potent verse from the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus delicately yet firmly communicates an incontrovertible spiritual law: the nature and degree of our judgment will decide the nature and degree of our own judgment.
His words offer profound reassurance. God’s judgement, contrary to our human judgments, is neither whimsical nor vindictive, but echoes our own sentiments and actions. This isn’t about inducing fear of punishment, but rather about inspiring a life guided by compassion, understanding, and reciprocal dignity. It’s a call to grace, humility, and empathy in all our interactions.
The verse points towards a transformation of the heart, where judgment is replaced with love and understanding. It implores us not just to evaluate our actions but to scrutinise our motivations, our thoughts, our silent prejudices that might sneak unnoticed until we introspect.
Actions to Take
- Refuse to Snap Judgments: Try to suspend all judgments about people and situations initially, and focus on understanding mentally and emotionally before any evaluating.
- Practice Empathy: Exercise the art of stepping into another’s shoes, perceiving the world as they do. It takes patience, but it’ll surpass the need for judging right away.
- Seek Divine Wisdom: Pray for discernment and courage to live out the teaching of Jesus, bringing love and understanding to the forefront of your interactions.
- Forgive: Judgements often arise from past hurts. Focus on forgiveness and healing, first for self and then others.
- Spread Love: Replace negative thoughts with positive ones, encourage rather than criticize, be a blessing to others through loving actions.
Journal Prompts
- Recall a situation where you judged someone hastily. How can you make amends?
- What actions can you take daily to become more understanding and less judgemental?
- Write about a moment when you felt judged and how it made you feel.
- How does understanding God’s judgment deepen your perspective on divine justice?
- Ponder on the connection between your judgment of others and your fear of being judged.
Prayer
Oh Lord, guide me to mirror your boundless understanding and love. Help me to withhold judgment and extend grace, replacing criticism with encouragement, prejudice with appreciation. As you judge me with unending mercy, may I treat others in the same loving manner. Infuse my heart with humility and empathy, making me a true reflection of your divine compassion. Amen.
Social Posts
- “Grace over judgement. Always. #Matthew7”
- “Be slow to judge but quick to love. Remember, God’s judgement mirrors our own. #JesusTeachings”
- “Replace criticism with love today. Let’s spread positivity! #Christianity”
- “Understanding someone else’s perspective helps us judge less and love more. Let’s practice empathy today. #BibleWisdom”
- “God judges us with unending mercy. Let’s do the same for others. #JourneyWithJesus”
Conclusion
Jesus’ teachings about judgment challenges us to revolutionize our perspective about justice and criticism. As we absorb this teaching, it is the beginning of a journey where compassion overrules judgment, and love becomes the default. This is the fruit of truly comprehending God’s perfect judgement – as we start to exhibit a slice of this divine love in our own hearts, towards ourselves and others.
May we continue to journey together in this quest for deeper understanding and application of God’s word in our lives. Thank you for being a part of this devotional study with us at BGodInspired.com! Let’s continue our walk towards becoming more like Jesus, one study and one day at a time.
Journaling – Your Pathway to Purposeful Mornings!
Q&A about what Jesus teaches about Judgment
Q: What does Jesus teach about judgment according to the Bible?
A: Jesus teaches about judgment in several passages in the Bible. For instance, in the Gospel of Matthew 7:1-2, He warns, “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.”
Q: Does Jesus tell us not to judge at all?
A: According to Matthew 7:1-2, Jesus instructs not to judge others because we too will be judged. It’s widely interpreted as a caution against hypocritical judgment or unrighteous judgment.
Q: What is considered hypocritical judgement?
A: In Matthew 7:3-5, Jesus defines hypocritical judgment as focusing on the flaws in others while ignoring one’s own flaws. He uses the metaphor of noticing the speck in someone’s eye and ignoring the log in one’s own.
Q: Are there instances in the Bible where Jesus makes judgments?
A: Yes, Jesus exemplified righteous judgement. For example, in the Gospel of John 8:1-11, when a woman caught in adultery was brought to him, his judgment reflected righteousness and mercy as he told the woman, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on, sin no more.”
Q: What does Jesus teach about final judgment?
A: Jesus spoke about the final judgment in several instances. In Matthew 25:31-46, the parable of the sheep and goats, Jesus described the final judgment as a time when He will separate people based on their actions towards the ‘least of these.’ Those who cared for the needy are likened to the righteous (sheep), while those who neglected the needy are the unrighteous (goats).
Q: Does Jesus teach forgiveness instead of judgment?
A: Yes, throughout His teachings, Jesus emphasized forgiveness over judgment. In Matthew 18:21-22, when Peter asked Jesus how often he should forgive, Jesus suggested seventy-seven times, portraying unlimited forgiveness.
Q: Who does Jesus say will be the judge on the last day?
A: According to John 5:22, Jesus states that the Father judges no one but has entrusted all judgement to the Son, referring to himself.
