Compassion versus Condemnation

“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; (Luke 6:37). To understand this verse correctly, we must look at it in the broader context of scripture’s teaching. This verse does not mean we won’t be judged for our actions if we don’t judge others. Scripture is clear that everyone will be judged one day. 2 Corinthians 5:10 reads, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil,” “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned,” (Matthew 12:36-37).

Every person will be judged one day. Many will be condemned, but, praise God, the good news is that, “those who are found to be in Christ will not come under condemnation” (Romans 8:1)

This verse instructs us to judge other’s actions (not hearts) as God will judge us—according to the teaching of scripture. “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you,” (Matthew 7:1-2). If we judge others harshly, we can expect to be judged harshly. If we show compassion and forgiveness as God shows to His children, we can expect to be judged with compassion and forgiveness. Ephesians 4:32 admonishes, “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

If we know Christ’s forgiveness ourselves, we should want others to receive His forgiveness, as well, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him,” (John 3:17). Compassion, rather than condemnation, will better draw others to Christ. Scripture teaches that God’s kindness leads men to repentance, “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance” (Romans 2:4)? 

 

We are all sinners in need of grace and strength to keep us from falling. Galatians 6:1 reads,“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted” (Galatians 6:1), “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12).

Matthew 22:37-39 sums up the law by which we will all be judged, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”