When Jesus commanded, “Judge not,” He was not implying that we should be
naïve or imprudent. Of course we need to think critically and analytically in
this world where we are often confronted with error and wrongdoing. Instead, He
meant that we should not be condemning or accusing, a point Paul made
eloquently: “Judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both
bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the
hearts” (1 Cor. 4:5).
Poet Robert Burns made a similar point, writing of those whose actions
are in doubt: “One point must still be greatly dark—the [motive]. Why they do
it.” No one knows another’s motives. God alone can bring to light what is
hidden in darkness; He alone can expose the intentions of the heart.
Jesus knows the latent forces that motivate others: the cruel beginnings, the fear, the disappointment, the broken heart, the sin that is resisted. Moreover, He is working in every submissive heart to bring it to maturity. Thus in the end—quite often contrary to our expectations—He will bring praise to those He has brought to completion.
The Lord alone can try the heart. Until He returns, let’s ask Him to
help us examine our own.
Be slow to judge others, but quick to judge yourself. (RBC)
