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“You,1 condemn not,2 that you are not condemned.”3
| 1 | You: The following teachings of the Nazarene have a direct bearing on his ongoing commentary on neighbor love. |
| 2 | Condemn not: It ought to be clear that a judgmental attitude highly influences neighbor love. One of the most difficult characteristics to overcome for the Friend of the Nazarene with the Transformed Mind is ceasing to be critical of others. Much of this disease is inherited (Romans 5:12). Note how Adam blames his wife and God! (Genesis 3:12) This prideful attitude stems in part from that distortion of being created in the image of God and, therefore, a sense of being the center of the universe. So, our opinions are always exactly correct. This is really self-righteousness, or the attitude of always being in the right, and having the need to express this opinion. |
| 3 | Not condemned: The real danger is not the criticism of others, but that condemnation from on High and with such a Finality. |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
We choose Matthew 7:1 as the theme verse of chapter seven – Criticism and Judgment. Still commenting on Leviticus 19:18 and the love of neighbor, Jesus warns about the judgmental spirit. [1-11] Love of neighbor requires charitable giving. The entire Law of Moses is summarized by this simple principle, ‘Everything you want others to do to you, you also do to them.’ [12]
Jesus draws his sermon to a conclusion by describing the true disciple. [13-23] Christ warns of false prophets who can be known by their works. The true disciple builds on the solid foundation of Christ’s teachings. [24-27] The crowd was astounded at the Nazarene Master’s manner of teaching. [28, 29]
Abba our Father bless those who build upon the Rock.
[17 October 2002]
The term “judge” is used in more than one sense, but Christ’s meaning is plain. (1) He does not prohibit the civil judgment of the courts upon evil doers, for this is approved throughout the whole Bible. (2) He does not prohibit the judgment of the church, through its officers, upon those who walk disorderly, for both he and the apostles have enjoined this. (3) He does not forbid those private judgments that we are compelled to form the wrong-doers, for he himself tells us that we are to judge men by their fruits. (See Mt 7:15-20.) What he designs to prohibit is rash, uncharitable judgments, a fault-finding spirit, a disposition to condemn without examination of charges.
