TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE

DEVOTIONAL

by Elder Chris Beltran

Previously, we talked about the evil of judging others based on our own limited perceptions. We do not know what is in a person’s heart. Judging others is an indication of a superiority complex and pride. We are not to judge or discriminate against people based on presuppositions, race, gender, wealth, or status; no to favoritism. Applying Jesus’ statement, “judge not lest you’ll be judged,” requires seeking heavenly wisdom and discernment. We need to discern what is right and wrong and wrap it with love to make a sound judgment.

Heavenly wisdom and discernment protect the Church and us. When we sense that something is wrong, we must not let a distorted view of “judge not” (Matt 7:1) prevent us from ignoring discernment, even if it concerns a respected family member, coworker, or ministry leader. With intentional practice and the Holy Spirit’s help, we can discern good and evil.

“Judge not,” like all of Jesus’ commandments, is summed up in love. “Love does no harm to a neighbor” (Rom 13:10). If the person’s intent is faultfinding and is not done in love but with contempt, then this verse is applicable.

While the Bible denounces faultfinding, it encourages fruit finding. “You will recognize them by their fruits” (Matt 7:6a). If a person continually commits wrong or hurtful behavior, it helps us make sound decisions: “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them” (Eph 5:11). We are told to expose this wrong and hurtful behavior, but again, in love and restoration.

While we are to “judge not”—belittling, punishing, or condemning—we are to use sound judgment to discern, evaluate, and restore. Ask God to remove the prejudices that corrupt our perception. How can we see the speck in our brother’s eye if our own vision is blocked? Allow God to search and cleanse our hearts to see clearly (Matt 7:3–6).

Discern between the holy and the wicked: “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces” (Matt 7:6). Dogs and swine represent dangerous people; we must recognize them. Otherwise, how can we protect our pearls from them?

Jesus is asking us to make sound judgments based on the fruit that is being revealed through the patterns of behavior. As believers, divine wisdom is needed in discerning the spiritual condition of the believers, able to distinguish the false ones. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor a diseased tree can bear good fruit. If we can discern and distinguish these, we can help protect and instruct the Church.

Jesus said, “be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves” (Matt 10:16). He laid down a general principle of kingdom work. Jesus was wise as a serpent since he knew who his audiences were—who were the genuine seekers, and who were seeking to trap him? He was harmless as a dove as he was pure, holy, loving, and compassionate. As we take the gospel to a hostile world, we must be wise as serpents in avoiding the traps set for us, and we must be innocent as doves, trusting in the guidance of our Heavenly Father.

REFLECTION

Many of us don’t want to appear judgmental even when we clearly discern that something is wrong with our brethren. This is not the meaning of “do not judge.” It just shows how you do not love the other person as yourself. True love and compassion for another mean that there are times when we need to confront and correct the other person’s ways like Jesus did.

PRAYER

Lord, please give me heavenly wisdom and discernment to know what is right and wrong from Your perspective. Give me the courage and compassion to confront arising issues with our brothers and sisters. I know that feelings may be hurt, and relationships may be broken, but I humbly pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Control my words and actions as I seek to be Your channel of blessings in this area. In Christ’s name, amen.