The Boomerang of Judgment

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?  Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye?  You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye…

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them.” Matthew 7:1-5,12

Jesus the holy Judge had stinging words for those who put themselves in His place. Both the act of judging and the standard used would come back to bite all who in pomp, pride, and spiritual blindness made a practice of casting judgment. His call was to humble self-examination and a willingness to identify and confess personal sin without excuse or comparison. Matthew 25:31; 2 Timothy 4:1; Revelation 19:11; 20:11-13

This should make us shudder. Isn’t it true that the flaws we nitpick in others, and the irritations and foibles with which we’re impatient, are detectable because we’re prone to the same? It takes one to know one rings true. Why else is it so easy to recognize deception, jealousy, and selfishness? That and how and what we judge reveals our own transgressions.

It is prudent to beware our tendency to judge at all, and check it immediately. It is not our responsibility to determine or denounce another’s folly. When we suppose someone’s motives, we’re treading where only God can knowingly and rightfully go. When we chastise others’ actions and attempt to dole out punishment ourselves, or maliciously wish ill on them, we take into our own hands what is the Lord’s right and duty. He alone ably applies justice to the intentions of the heart. (Romans 12:19; Revelation 3:15-17)

Often the eye that constantly looks for and fixates on others’ faults is self-stained and pride-irritated, unable to see clearly our ugly, obvious culpability. In what situations do our fingers twitch to fix and our tongues agitate to criticize and correct? Stop! Hold the hand slap and wagging tongue! Exercise self control by the power of the Spirit, employ His discernment to expose and confess personal sins, and haul out the plank once for all.

The boomerang of judgment beckons forgiveness. When we look on others with grace-bathed eyes as Jesus looks on us, we’re able and generous to forgive. When we see ourselves declared righteous by Jesus’s blood, that same sight, clear of planks and splinters, bestows beautiful garments on offenders. God mysteriously and marvelously unites us at the foot of the cross, and frees us to love and accept each other with the love we’ve received. He enables us to desire and actually do for and treat others the way we wish they would us. (Ephesians 4:32)

What habit of judgment is God identifying today? What will I do with His conviction? How can I practice humility, thankfulness, and lavish grace?

Lord, help me see others with Your eyes of love, grant them mercy, and entrust all judgment to You.