Today we are reading Matthew 7. In this chapter we read about the last part of the Sermon on the Mount. The keyword for this chapter is “kri-no”. The definition is “to judge, habit of censoriousness, sharp, unjust criticism.” “”Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:1-5 ESV This passage is very familiar in our culture today. Most often it is misunderstood and misused. The proper understanding is that if we sinfully criticize someone then we fall under God’s divine judgement. On the other hand we are to firmly speak against sin. In this regard we are to “speak the truth in love”. Let God’s Word speak and don’t interject opinion or prejudice. May God use you to shine the light of His truth in the dark world around you! Pastor Tim
