Chapter 11: God’s Eternal Character

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“Judge not, that you be not judged.” Matthew 7:1

Now consider the entire context of Jesus’ words and you will observe

that Jesus really teaches, “Do not be judgmental.”

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why

do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First

remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:1-5

Judgmental means that you “tend to judge or criticize the conduct of other people.” Hypocrite means “somebody who gives a false appearance of having admirable principles, beliefs, or feelings.” Jesus is teaching that we better be looking at our own sin and not just others. What about that plank

in your eye? Isn’t that greater than the speck in your brother’s eye? Some think that we should keep our mouth shut regarding sin. I guess that is the basis of the “do not judge” theology. However God’s Word teaches us something different regarding sin. It teaches us humility towards each other.

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” James 5:16 NIV

Confess Your Sins To Each Other!

It also teaches us humility towards God. You should keep a short list of your sins before God. Confess your sins daily to God and you will see

results in your life. When you do that, your inner most being will become molded to God’s righteousness. You will begin to take on His eternal character in all your deeds and actions; you will move to zero willful sin.