Life Hacks: Part 8

By Duane Henry

In the book of Matthew Jesus addressed the topic of judging others.  When we think of that word, perhaps we think of discerning but Jesus was actually talking about condemnation.  What He had to say, specifically in Matthew 7:1 – 6, can be broken down in the following ways:

Point 1: We can Escape Judgment – not everyone will be judged for their actions.

What does this mean in context to Jesus’ words?  Simply that if we don’t judge – or condemn – others, we ourselves won’t be condemned. 

Point 2: We can Excuse Judgment – we’re easier to excuse things in our own lives than we are in the lives of others.

Jesus warned the people about being harsher on others than they were on themselves.  Interestingly enough, some of us have the problem of just being harsh, full stop.  Jesus is encouraging us to be mindful of our own issues and in so doing being considerate of the issues of others and yes, sometimes excusing them.

Point 3: We Accept Mercy – knowing that we can only understand mercy once we have received mercy. 

In Jesus’ concluding words He talks about pearls and pigs.  The pearls which He is referring to are the ‘jewels’ of the Kingdom, the good news of the Gospel.  The ‘pigs’ can refer to our judgmental attitudes and self righteousness.  Jesus would say to us today that we shouldn’t let the ‘pigs’ trample on the ‘pearls’ because when we possess the ‘pearls’ we gain mercy, and when we have gained mercy, we will no longer be judgmental of others. 

 Here’s three things to think about and apply today:

1. We can be happy to know that God has provided a way by which we don’t have to be under judgment.  Therefore, since we’ve been set free, let’s set others free of judgment as well.

2. We should excuse ourselves and others from condemnation because we have been freed from condemnation.

3. We should accept that God has ‘pearls’ to offer us through the mercy of Jesus.  Let’s accept these pearls and share them with others as God gives us opportunity to do so!