Probably one of the best quoted Bible verses is Matthew 7:1 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged”. People say it quite often. It’s surprising how often it is quoted by people that don’t read the Bible or even believe in God. Here is the thing about the Bible, it is a book, made up of 66 books, and you can’t just take bits and pieces to justify your stance on something. I have seen people take verses in the Bible and change them or break them down, to where they don’t even resemble the original verse. The problem is you need the context. What else is going on around these verses?
One of my favorite verses, also quoted a ton is Phil 4:13. “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me”. What a powerful verse!!! It is even more powerful if you back up and read what is said before! Paul is writing about contentment. He writes that in whatever situation He finds himself in, he has learned to be content. And then he says he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him. It’s like he is giving God the credit for helping him to have contentment.
So, going back to our verse in Matthew about not judging others. I believe this is true. We should not judge others, however, if the other is a brother or sister, and they are sinning we should go to them. Gal 6:1 says, “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.”
I think there is a fine line between judging and correcting. I love how it says to restore the person gently. God knows us. He created us. He knows that we don’t respond to harshness.
Lead your life with kindness and gentleness and love. All 3 of those are gifts from the Holy Spirit. When you deal with things in anger, bitterness, or rage you are not likely to get anywhere! I’m so thankful for God’s guidebook for our lives!