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Compare Mark 4:24-25; Luke 6:37-42; John 7:53-8:11
The principles expressed in these passages must be significant and central to the teachings of Christ, because they’re included in all four of the canonical gospels. And they’re echoed in many other locations throughout Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
And yet . . . And yet . . . The command not to judge seems so unrealistic and impracticable!
We have to judge.
Is this person reliable? Do we trust this young girl to watch our kids while we go out? Can we depend on the neighbors’ boy to take care of our lawn while we’re away? Should I hire this particular lawyer? Can I take the promises of this potential investment advisor at face value? Should I marry him? Should I vote for her?
The key, I think, is in remembering that, if we seek mercy, we should show it. If we want kindness and charity, we should behave with kindness and we should judge charitably.
Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. (Luke 6:37-38)
(Compare “The Lord’s Prayer.”)
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged.” (Matthew 7:1-2)
Judgment is inescapably necessary. But, in our own interest as well as for other good and sufficient reasons, we should do it as little as possible. And, when we must do it, we should do it with the most charity that we can.
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