KEY SCRIPTURE: Matthew 7:1 KJV” Judge not, that ye be not judged.”

Mathew in his recording reported what we have as our key scripture, yet in Luke’s account, he added a few statements from the Lord. Luke 6:37 KJV ” Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven”: These are statements that are meant to keep us living at peace with our neighbours’ Lord said men will always give to us or do to us what we do to them. Luke 6:31 KJV “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise”. If you smile to people, they would likewise smile to you. If you frown at others, they would also frown at you. These things function on the principle of sowing and reaping. You always reap what you sow, but you reap more than you sow. The Lord instructed them, that for their own happiness, they should not judge, condemn and not keep offenses.

What does it mean to judge? Judging is to convict or conclude a matter on an individual. If someone tells lies, and you state to him “you are a liar” This is a judgment on the character of that person. You could have said, “you have been lying” The second statement is a statement of fact and not a judgement. If you add the following, “since you are a liar, nothing good would come out of you” The additional statement is a condemnation. You have moved from judging to condemning. Just consider the impact of such words on your neighbour. This is what the Lord said we must not do. It is not your business to judge anyone. At our law courts the state has appointed special individuals which are approved by God according to Romans 13:1. They have the right to fully access people’s actions make judgements, and also condemn them, if found guilty. By the principle of sowing and reaping others would judge and condemn you. These things create hurts, bitterness and so much confusion in homes and in relationships. Most people are constantly living at war with others because of the wrong ways we use our tongues’ 4:6 KJV” Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”

In Luke’s account he spoke about not forgiving others their offenses. Failure to forgive hurts you, and not the one you hold the grudge against.  Secondly if you don’t forgive those who offend you, others would also not forgive you. When people don’t forgive, they may go to any length to hurt you also. These things create lots of pain among relations. If we are to adhere to what the master is teaching, there will be so much peace in our homes and with our associations.

In the light of all that have been said above decide to show kindness, love, and be very fair to all persons in your words and generally well disposed towards all persons. You would receive a better response from them.

CONFESSION

I do not judge, condemn, nor keep anyone one’s offenses against me. My words are always seasoned with salt bringing peace and cordiality with all persons. I rather forgive them.

FURTHER STUDIES

Luke 6:37 KJV 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.

Philippians 4:5 KJV” Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.”