Scripture to Read: Matthew 7:1–6
When we consider what our Lord has taught us about judging others, we know that we must have a clean heart before we even begin to come alongside a brother or sister in Christ. God tells us in Galatians 6:1–2, “Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” Note that the person we’re approaching has been caught in their sin, so when we approach them, we have no doubt about what they’ve done. But God’s Word tells us we must be “spiritual,” which means we have already taken the log out of our own eye so we see clearly. Also, we are to seek to restore the individual and we do it with the gentleness of God’s Spirit in us. There must be no attitude of condemnation. That is why God’s Word says we must continually look to ourselves so that we’re not tempted to fall into some other sin, such as self-righteousness. Also note that we’re to “bear one another’s burdens,” which means we love them unconditionally just as Christ loves and forgives us. Judging others is never easy, and it should not be. Our goal in judging should always be to help a brother or sister in Christ be fully reconciled in their fellowship with our Lord, then to help them reconcile with anyone they’ve sinned against.
Challenge & Application
· What did God teach you today about how to judge those caught in sin?
· What kind of attitude should we always have when we come alongside a brother or sister in Christ caught in sin?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!