Living in the Garden of Grace: The Most Misunderstood Command
Reflections on David Kuykendall’s Devotional Series
“Judge not, that you be not judged.” (Matthew 7:1)
The Misunderstanding of "Judge Not"
One of the most quoted and often misunderstood commands of Jesus is found in Matthew 7:1, where He says, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” Many interpret this as a prohibition against discerning another's spiritual condition, fearing that doing so would violate Christ's command. Yet, a closer reading of the Sermon on the Mount reveals that Jesus is addressing something much deeper: the spirit in which we approach others.
Judging Rightly, Not Critically
Jesus Himself calls for discernment later in the same chapter. He instructs His followers to recognize others by their fruits (Matthew 7:16) and to avoid casting what is holy to dogs or pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6). Such actions require spiritual discernment—a form of judgment.
The key difference is the spirit behind the judgment. Jesus warns against a critical, condemning attitude, illustrated by the imagery of someone trying to remove a speck from their brother's eye while ignoring the plank in their own. This attitude of criticism blinds us, preventing us from seeing others as they truly are and hindering our ability to help them spiritually.
Removing the Plank
How, then, do we remove the plank from our own eyes so that we may see clearly?
Recognize the Plank: Often, our critical attitude stems from unresolved issues in our own hearts—pride, insecurity, or bitterness. Acknowledging these areas is the first step.
Experience Our Crucifixion: As Kuykendall emphasizes, the solution lies in embracing our crucifixion, burial, and resurrection in Christ. When we live from our new identity in Him, the critical spirit loses its grip.
Walk in Grace: As we rest in Christ, His life flows through us, enabling us to approach others with compassion and humility rather than judgment and criticism.
When the plank is removed, we no longer see others through the lens of criticism. Instead, we see them clearly and can lovingly point them toward Christ, just as He has graciously worked in our own lives.
The Heart of the Command
Ultimately, the command not to judge is a call to reject a critical spirit. It does not forbid discernment but transforms the way we approach others. Jesus modeled this perfectly. He discerned the hearts of the Pharisees and the struggles of the Samaritan woman, yet His words and actions always sought to heal and restore rather than condemn.
Consider how this principle might apply in your own life:
Are there areas where a critical spirit has clouded your perspective?
How might you approach others differently by embracing your identity in Christ?
In what ways can you extend the grace you’ve received to others today?
A Prayer of Surrender
Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us what it means to approach others with love and grace. I confess the times I have let a critical spirit take root in my heart. Thank You for crucifying my old man and for giving me new life in You. I yield to Your Spirit today, trusting You to remove any plank that blinds me and to fill me with Your compassion. Let my interactions be marked by discernment and love, pointing others to the grace You so freely give. Amen.
A Final Thought
Jesus’ command not to judge calls us to abandon the critical spirit of the flesh and live by the grace of the Spirit. As we walk in our new identity, we can approach others with clarity and love, becoming instruments of His redemptive work in their lives.