Central Truth

Do not judge other people. Only the Lord knows our motives and the things we hide in our hearts. He and He alone will handle the praise and final judgment when He returns.

Reflections

Paul is telling his disciples that they are to be trustworthy.  They are only to examine themselves and not one another.  Paul says the Lord alone will examine him and pass judgment.  In fact, the Lord will judge us all one day.  He sees what is hidden in the heart.  More importantly, He sees the motives of men’s hearts.  Praise and judgment for the motives of our hearts should come from God alone.

How comforting that is.  We not only see unfair things on TV, but those close to us are often judged unfairly (in our opinion) as well.  We must remember that we can’t see into the hearts of man to see what caused particular actions.  But God can!!  Things are never as they seem. 

We should not be quick to judge, only to forgive any actions against us that might have been misinterpreted. 

Matthew 7:1 & 2 says: “ Do not judge so that you will not be judged.  For the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.”  

Another scripture I like is 2 Timothy 4:8: “in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 

So, Lord, help me to leave the judging to you and to love others as you directed in the Bible.

Discussion Questions

1. Are you guilty of judging others?
2. Do you try to hide things from God?