Having the Right Heart

Today, we continued our exploration of the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on Matthew 7. This passage carries forward Jesus' themes of mercy, forgiveness, and righteousness, prompting us to examine the state of our hearts.

Main Scripture: Matthew 7:1-6

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye. Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.”

Key Points

1. Understanding Judgement:

- Jesus warns against the unfair, condemning, and overcritical judgment of others.

- This kind of judgment contrasts with mercy, love, humility, and generosity.

- Jesus isn’t forbidding all judgment but encourages moral discernment and self-examination.

2. Consequences of Judgment:

- You will not be judged if you refrain from judging others harshly.

- The standards you use to judge others will be applied to you by God.

3. Judgement of God:

- The Greek verb in “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged” refers to God's judgment.

- We are reminded that only God has the authority to judge as stated in James 4:11-12 and Romans 14:10-12.

4. Practical Applications:

- Instead of focusing on the faults of others, we should reflect on our own hearts and behaviours.

- Criticizing others often stems from our own insecurities and faults. Addressing our issues helps us avoid hypocrisy.

- Time spent judging others is better used for self-improvement and serving others with mercy, love, and humility.

5. Life Application Study Bible Insights:

- Jesus calls for self-examination over judging others.

- Recognize that the faults we see in others often mirror our own.

- Before criticizing others, ensure you are open to receiving the same critique.

Conclusion

Jesus’ message is clear: refrain from judging others with harshness and instead focus on our hearts. Living out the principles of mercy, love, generosity, and humility reflects the Kingdom of God. Spend time dealing with your own faults and be irrationally generous. Love others rather than judging them, and always do the right things for the right reasons.

Action Points:

- Examine your own heart and motives.

- Serve others with love and humility.

- Make God's Kingdom your primary concern.

- Practice irrational generosity and forgiveness.

In doing so, we align ourselves more closely with the teachings of Jesus and cultivate the right heart.