A Measure of Grace

Matthew 7:1-2 is misunderstood by many people in our culture. Today’s mantra of tolerance misuses this proverbial passage in an attempt to turn the Bible against those who speak out against sin. Nevertheless, God’s Word is clear that this is not the true teaching of Christ. Instead, Matthew 7:1-6 teaches us discernment to properly address spiritual needs in the lives of others.

The judging being spoken of in this passage is better understood as an expression of a personal opinion. The context clearly implies the personal opinion comes in the form of harsh criticism or strong disapproval.  Verse one teaches that we should not express our personal opinion in such a way that it will lead to the probability of being harshly criticized according to another’s personal opinion. The verse literally reads, “Do not be judging in order that you may not be judged.”  This statement is being applied in the context of disciples confronting their brethren.  I can’t help but wonder if Jesus was thinking of an event he personally experienced during his life as a carpenter when he chose to use the illustration of a speck and a beam.  The main point is that there is a way of expressing opinions, even if they are correct, that tends to divide rather than reconcile. Christ is prohibiting the attitude that says truth is enough by itself and knowledge of the truth gives one the right to wield it like a war hammer.

The consequence to the inappropriate use of the truth is expressed in verse 2. God will judge those who would hold others accountable to the lifeless letter of the law by the same lifeless letter of the law. Dr. Custer’s commentary on this verse reminded me that there are two types of cook. There are those who follow a recipe to the letter, measuring everything and leveling each cup of flour before they combine ingredients and those who know how to give a heaping portion of love into their recipes. Only those who have spent time in their own kitchen making and eating their own recipes know how and when to add that extra measure of love. The same can be said about those who have spent time in the Holy Scriptures dealing with their own sinful hearts. Only those who strive against their own sin will be fit to recognize how to effectively minister God’s grace to help a brother overcome his own sin.

Jesus fully understood the effort necessary to obey this command.  Ministry takes time, resources and energy. He is aware of our limitations. Verse 6 balances the perspective we are to have toward ministry. The biblical discernment necessary to teach, reprove, correct, and train in righteousness takes time and energy to develop. The process of edification and restoration requires time for progress. Why would we spend time with people who cling to their sin regardless of the truth when there are so many groping for light in the darkness? Both harsh insensitive criticism and overly sensitive enablement are to be avoided. God’s abundant grace can only be applied to unregenerate people by the proclamation of the gospel to the soul convicted of sin by the Holy Spirit. God’s abundant grace can only be applied to disobedient brethren through our obedience to separate them from our fellowship so they may experience the chastening of the Lord, learn not to blaspheme, and know the blessings of unity with God through the love of his people. (1Corinthians 5:4-5; 2Thessalonians 3:14-15)

God knows we need a measure of grace that is packed down and heaping over.  For that reason Christ came to earth, putting on flesh as a garment so as to become our perfect high priest, to minister to needy people (Hebrews 2:17-18).  Why would we as his image bearers purpose to do anything less for others?  Commit yourself to live a pure and holy life and God will use you as a measure of grace ministering to needy souls.