My Favorite Verses - Vol V (Feb 17 to Jun 17)

Matthew 7:1-2 … With the judgment you make
(05/05/2017)
“Do not judge so that you may not be judged.
For with the judgment you make you will be judged,
and the measure you give will be the measure you get.”
~ Jesus (Matthew 7:1-2)
This is quite an important verse – probably more so in modern times than it
was when Jesus presumably uttered it. For Jesus‟ entire ministry hinged on what
he called his “Gospel” (or “the Good News”) – a theology that stated A) that
Heaven (or “the Kingdom of God”) was alive and well in every Here&Now
moment (see Matthew 10:7) and B) that every sentient being could fully access the
same by simply choosing to persistently, selflessly, and actively extend Love to
those nearby (see Matthew 24:12-14) … And the reason why this particular
passage plays a significant role in understanding this Truth is because it is
impossible to extend that level of pure Love to others while we are judging who
they are in any way – that we can only do so when we “humble ourselves as very
young children” (Matthew 18:3-4); when we refuse to criticize their being or their
beliefs – especially when our own sins & misgivings have yet to be corrected
(John 8:7) … And this is indeed why “all who exalt themselves will be humbled”
(Matthew 23:12) – because to exalt one‟s self (which is a prerequisite to judging
another critically) automatically precludes us from wholeheartedly Loving them.
And because this “perfect Love” was necessary to attain entrance into “the
Kingdom of Heaven” (see Matthew 5:43-48, Matthew 7:21-24, Matthew 18:3-4,
Matthew 24:12-14 et al), the only remaining alternative for those engaging in such
arrogance is to fall from that potential Grace.
P.S. Yes, John 7:24 does tell us
that we are to condemn all deeds
that are causing harm to the
innocent, and yet we are not to
condemn the doers of those deeds
while we are defending their
would-be victims. After all, while
it is impossible to Love a sinner
while non-compassionately
condemning his sin, it is also
impossible to Love Life without
having the courage to denounce the
actions of others that are
intentionally bringing on injustice
&/or causing pain.
106