Do you know what one of the most quoted Bible verses is? I have heard that one that some people like to quote is “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.” Do you realize there is more to that verse? It does not stop suddenly. Here is the full verse: “37Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.” (Luke 6:37 NLT) The words may vary slightly depending on the translation of the Bible you use. Typically, some people use this verse to try to tell others what they should NOT do.
Jesus did not give us these words to control others but to challenge ourselves. People tend to judge others before they judge themselves. This verse is speaking to that issue. Sadly, it is used on others in that hard way. But that is not the way Jesus intended. We must aim this verse at our own hearts. We are not to be critical people, constantly evaluating everyone and everything around us. God says in Romans 12:17-21 that we are to leave judgment in His hands. Go ahead … look it up.
There are judgments to be made. That is God’s job. At the same time we answer to each other in the community of believers. Aim for the balance here, not the extremes. On one end of the scale is letting anything go on without confrontation. This is not right. The other extreme is the judgmental spirit where we think we can judge another person for their action. It is this second extreme that Jesus was addressing here.
Believers should not judge others with this verse. We, as believers, need to use it on ourselves and reap the benefit Jesus promised: FORGIVENESS. We love because God loved us first. We forgive because God sent His Son to forgive our sins. We are forgiven now we are free to forgive.
