Mountain Message: Judging
By Molly Poozhikala | Renovate Church—Centennial, CO
As we near the end of our study on the Sermon on the Mount, we come to a passage that hits directly at the heart of how we treat one another and how we view ourselves.
In Matthew 7:1–12, Jesus delivers some of the most famous—and frequently misunderstood—words in all of Scripture. He opens this section with a direct command: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.”
There is a lot to unpack in these 12 verses. Jesus, the wisest man who ever lived, levels the playing field for all of us while offering a better way to live in community.
What Does Jesus Mean by “Judging”?
When we hear “don’t judge” in culture today, it’s often used as an excuse to avoid accountability. But that isn’t what Jesus is addressing.
In the original Greek text, the word used for judge is κρίνω (krinō), which carries a legal, condemnatory weight. It refers to assuming the authority to declare someone else worthy or unworthy and treating them accordingly.
Jesus forbids this kind of judgment for two clear reasons:
- Nobody is innocent: We have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. When we put condemnation on the table for someone else, we put it on the table for ourselves.
- God alone is the Judge: When we try to judge others’ ultimate worth, we step into a role that belongs strictly to God.
Whether we judge someone negatively or elevate them as “superior,” human judgment is inherently flawed.
Planks, Specks, and Discernment
Does this mean we can never address wrong behavior or exercise evaluation? Not at all. Jesus immediately provides dynamic visual examples to show how community accountability should function:
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” — Matthew 7:3
Before correcting anyone else, Jesus calls us to perform a humble self-check. Often, the things that irritate us most in others reveal a deeper issue within our own hearts.
- Spotting the Speck: Notice a fault in a brother or sister.
- Checking for Planks: Examine your heart motives and hidden hypocrisy first.
- Restoring in Love: Help clear their vision with genuine compassion, not contempt.
Removing the plank in your eye isn’t about proving you are right—it’s about clearing your vision so you can love and help someone else effectively.
Knowing the Difference: Dogs and Pigs
Right after warning against hypocrisy, Jesus adds: “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs.” (Matthew 7:6).
While this sounds sharp, Jesus is using hyperbole to stress discernment. He isn’t calling people names; he is using an analogy about readiness. Some people have decidedly rejected God and actively seek to tear down truth. We are called to be loving, but we are not called to be foolish. Discernment helps us steward our time and energy where hearts are open.
Ask, Seek, Knock
Navigating all of this—avoiding legalism, checking our own hearts, exercising spiritual discernment—can feel overwhelming. Jesus knows we cannot fulfill His commands through willpower alone.
That is why He immediately points us back to the Father:
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” — Matthew 7:7
If you struggle with judgment, ask for humility. If you need clarity on how to restore a relationship, seek His wisdom. God is a good Father who delights in giving good gifts to His children when they ask.
You Can’t Control Others—Focus on What You Can
One of the most important truths to embrace when trying to make a positive impact is this: you cannot control other people. It doesn’t matter how right you are or how good your intentions are; you cannot force anyone to change their mind.
Jesus highlights this reality through the Golden Rule:
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the law and the prophets.” — Matthew 7:12
The Golden Rule is not a transaction or a formula to manipulate people into treating you well. It is simply the key to living righteously.
- If you want people to be more generous, be more generous.
- If you want people to be more compassionate, be more compassionate.
Your joy, prosperity, and spiritual health are not dependent on how other people behave. Be the good you want to see in the world, and trust God to reward you—not just in heaven, but right here in this life as well.
Breaking the Cycle of Self-Hatred
At Renovate, we talk a lot about being outward-focused through love, discipleship, and community. But the Golden Rule only works if you actually want good things for yourself.
Just as worry is a form of practical atheism, self-hatred is a direct offense against God.
Imagine how you feel when someone is cruel to your child, spouse, or best friend. That is how God feels when you hate yourself. God loves you deeply, so when you entertain self-loathing, you are insulting someone He loves.
The Devil tells us we’re useless failures. God’s unchanging truth tells us we are fearfully and wonderfully made. The Devil’s lies tell us no one loves us. God tells us he will love us forever, no matter what. The Devil tries to convince us that we’re ugly and worthless. But Jesus gave everything for us.
Those negative, self-destructive thoughts in your head aren’t coming from your true identity—they are lies from the enemy written in first-person language to trick you.
You Are Wildly Loved
Jesus doesn’t love you because you are amazing; He loves you because HE is amazing. And because Jesus never stops being amazing, His love for you will never change.
You don’t need to see yourself as superior to anyone, nor do you need to see yourself as inferior. Simply see yourself as you truly are: wildly loved.
Refuse to meditate on the enemy’s lies. Anything rooted in hatred does not come from God, because God is love. Choose to rest in His grace, treat others with His compassion, and trust Him with the rest.