Matthew 7:1: God's view on judgment?
What does Matthew 7:1 teach about God's perspective on judgment?

Verse in Focus

“Do not judge, or you will be judged.” (Matthew 7:1)


Setting the Scene

• Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7)

• Jesus is addressing disciples and the gathered crowd, exposing heart motives, not merely external actions.


What Matthew 7:1 Says

• God reserves ultimate judgment for Himself.

• Human judgment invites reciprocal judgment from God.

• The standard we apply to others will be applied to us (see v. 2).


What Matthew 7:1 Does NOT Say

• It does not forbid discernment (Matthew 7:15–20; 1 John 4:1).

• It does not cancel church discipline (Matthew 18:15–17).

• It does not excuse calling sin “sin” (Isaiah 5:20; Galatians 6:1).


God’s Perspective on Judgment

• He alone is perfectly holy and impartial (Deuteronomy 32:4).

• He commands righteous, merciful judgment, never hypocritical (John 7:24).

• He hates self-righteousness that ignores personal sin (Romans 2:1–3).


Hypocrisy Exposed (vv. 3–5)

• Focusing on a “speck” in a brother’s eye while ignoring our own “plank” is unacceptable.

• Only after honest self-examination may we help others.

• The verse guards against prideful comparison rather than loving correction.


Supporting Passages

Luke 6:37 — Parallel teaching emphasizing forgiveness.

James 4:11–12 — One Lawgiver and Judge; speaking against a brother usurps God’s role.

Romans 14:10-13 — Each will stand before God; therefore avoid contempt.


Balanced Biblical Discernment

1. Examine self first (2 Corinthians 13:5).

2. Confess and forsake personal sin (1 John 1:9).

3. Approach others gently, aiming at restoration (Galatians 6:1-2).

4. Leave final verdict to God (1 Corinthians 4:5).


Living the Lesson

• Cultivate humility—remembering we too need mercy.

• Speak truth with grace, avoiding a condemning spirit.

• Rely on Scripture, not personal preference, as the measure.

• Trust God’s perfect justice while practicing steadfast love (Micah 6:8).

How can we apply 'Do not judge' in our daily interactions with others?
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