Judging (Part 1)

Beloved, it is always my desire to write letters unto you as the apostle Paul wrote unto the churches that he was appointed to oversee. These should be letters of “instruction in righteousness” (II Timothy 3:16) through the infallible Word of God. Having said this, we feel inspired to write to you from a new theme entitled simply, “Judging”. There are those, Beloved, who misunderstand the teaching of Jesus on the subject of “judging”. Yes, they quote from His Word, “Judge not, that ye be not judged” (Matthew 7:1). Yet, we find that many don’t have the revelation from God concerning the meaning of this statement! This scripture is to them an arbitrary (randomly selected) prohibition of all “judging”. But today, let us, through the assistance of the Holy Spirit of Jesus, examine the points of this verse subjectively. At the outset, we will have to concede that one who “judges” others must be willing to be “judged”. “With what(ever) measure (he) mete(s)”, he must be willing to accept the same for himself (Matthew 7:2). Oftentimes, when conditions are reversed, those who are quick to stand in judgment become defensive (or ready to attack) when their own situations are spotlighted to be “judged.” This is the reason why James made this statement on the subject, “he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath showed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment” (James 2:13). Beloved, let none of us at Anointed Harvest unmercifully “judge” his brother or sister, for we are to “consider (ourselves), lest we also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1).

Precious Ones, Jesus said, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat (of authority): All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not (they do not practice what they preach)” (Matthew 23:2-3). Beloved, the Pharisees and scribes professed to have authority, but they lacked the spirit of Jesus. If one could sit in Jesus’ seat (not Moses’), one would realize that Jesus’ attitude toward His brethren was always one of concern rather than of judgment or condemnation. This is what compelled (drove) Jesus to have compassion. Remember, Jesus said that “he rejoiceth more” over one sheep that goes astray and returns, “than (over) the ninety and nine which went not astray” (Matthew 18:13). What He is saying, Beloved, is that many act like the ninety nine - they act as though they have a right to “judge” the one who goes astray, and don’t realize that they, at one time or another, have gone astray as well! Jesus is saying that those ninety-nine are hypocrites. He rejoices more over the one honest, repentant sheep.

I will write more on this subject next week. Until then, know this...

I love you all SO very much.
In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy