Judge Not

Most every Christian can quote the scripture, “judge not lest you be judged,” found in Matthew 7:1.

Yet, judgement is often on our lips, either against ourselves or against others.

Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that you be not judged.

The Bible warns us about this in Jude, where there is also “A Call to Persevere.” We are warned not to abandon ourselves like those that walk in the way of Cain for the sake of gain like Balaam, nor are we to perish like those that were a part of Korah’s rebellion.

Jude 1:11 Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam's error and perished in Korah's rebellion.

Jude 1:12 These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever.

But what if you are standing upright while having to watch the Balaams and Korahs cause division? He gave instructions for those “Beloved” to follow, which is to build ourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the LOVE of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt.

Jude 1:20-22 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt;

1 Corinthians 13:1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

Want the Not-so-Good News?

Even when the archangel Michael was contending with the devil, “he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment.” So, even when we are among “loud-mouthed boasters” that show “favoritism to gain advantage,” we must keep from stumbling so we may “present ourselves blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy… through Jesus Christ.”

Jude 1:9 But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.”

Jude 1:16 These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage.

Jude 1:24-25 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

Romans 2:1 Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.

Instead, be reminded, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God… Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.”

Romans 12:16-17 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.

Romans 12:19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

Romans 12:20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”

At Seek First we simply want to remind you today that even when we are among “grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires” it is not our job to call out their sin, but to show them mercy and Christ Like Love, because,

“To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: May mercy, peace, and LOVE be multiplied in you.”

Jude 1:1-2 Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.

Psalm 62:1-2 For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.