What Jesus Did! 'Judge ... NOT!' — Matthew 7:1-2

Friday, March 21, 2025

[Jesus continued:] "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."

Key Thought

As Matthew continues his presentation of Jesus' great teaching, he wants us to hear the Lord's words on how to live in our world. The previous verses have focused on how to deal with our concerns for provision and our desires for more things. In the next few verses, the focus will be on our treatment of others. Jesus doesn't want us to fault-find, gossip, or be cynical and harshly critical of those around us. He doesn't want us to assume that we know the motives of others' hearts. He wants us to be gracious to others as God is gracious with us. However, if we choose to ignore his words, he warns that God will judge us with the same standard we use on others. Pretty sobering reminder to be gracious!

Today's Prayer

Forgive me Father, for the times I have been less than kind about one of your children. I am sorry, because I know that you have so much more to be disappointed about in me than I do in others. Father, I want you to help me now, as I pray; please remove any bitter or critical spirit that infects my character. Through your Holy Spirit, form in me the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control that show your presence and transformation in my life. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Romans 14:4; 1 Corinthians 5:12
  • James 5:9
  • Galatians 5:22-23

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

12 Related Resources by Heartlight

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 7:1-2 NLT — [Jesus continued:] "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."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, March 21, 2025

A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
"Peter finally came to his senses [after the angel released him from prison]. "It's really true!" he said. “The Lord has sent his angel and saved me....."
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
"Dear Beloved, You live in a world awash in religious ideas, ideologies, and philosophies. But there is one fundamental difference between all of them..."
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow..."
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
"Shared joy is double joy and shared sorrow is half-sorrow."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.