Christ and the Critical Heart

Jesus, in Matthew 7:1-6, isn’t calling us to ignore sin or avoid conflict. Instead, He’s urging us to approach others with humility and love. We’re called to correct our fellow believers when necessary, but this correction must come from a place of self-awareness and compassion, not self-righteousness. This means examining our own hearts, confessing our sins, and repenting before we ever attempt to address the faults of others.

It’s easy to feel the urge to correct those around us quickly—and there is a place for that in Kingdom life.  But our natural tendency will trend toward pointing out their wrongs in a way that is often harsh or unkind. However, Jesus’s teaching encourages us to pause and reflect first on our own lives. Are we free from similar struggles? Have we dealt with our own shortcomings? This self-examination isn’t just about making sure we’re in the right place to offer correction; it’s about ensuring that our correction comes from a place of genuine concern and love, not from a desire to appear superior or more righteous.

Consider a workplace scenario where a colleague’s actions seem questionable. Rather than gossiping or criticizing behind their back, a Kingdom approach would be to have an open and honest conversation with them, rooted in care and a desire for their well-being. This doesn’t mean condoning wrongdoing, but rather addressing it in a way that reflects Christ’s love and humility.

Let us strive to embody the love and humility that Christ demonstrated. Let’s be quick to offer grace, slow to judge, and always aware of our own need for mercy. In every interaction, let’s remember that we, too, are in need of grace and that our goal should be to restore, not condemn. By doing so, we not only help others grow but also reflect the character of Christ in a world that desperately needs it.

Questions for Further Discussion
•How does the distinction between exercising clear biblical judgment and having a judgmental attitude apply in our daily lives?
•What were the results of a situation where you might have confused the two?
•How can we balance the need to confront and correct others with the call to avoid being judgmental?
•Why is self-examination crucial before we attempt to correct others?
•How can we cultivate a habit of regular self-examination and repentance?
•What does radical obedience look like in your life, especially in the context of how you judge or correct others?