Matthew 7:1-6 (NLT)
1 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. 3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? 4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye. 6 “Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.

Christ points out that we should not act as magistrates over others. It is not for us to assume authority which is not ours for we would not allow authority over us from someone who is not appointed to do so. When one judges outside of their authority they can expect others to judge them in return outside of their authority. There is allowance for reproof or pointing out of a fault when we have learned to search out our own sins and make corrections in our own lives. We can then share our experiences of overcoming sin to help others overcome their own. Christ points out there are those who we would waste time with trying to help when they must first turn their lives over to Christ. Christ was always tender to those he reproved and we should also act accordingly.

Perhaps you have read or seen the movie Charlotte’s web. In the story is a pig named Wilbur who is scared about the end of the season because he has come to realize he might become the meal on the dinner table. Wanting to help Wilbur and make sure this does not happen Charlotte spins webs with messages calling attention to the pig’s virtues. Spun into the webs were messages like Outstanding Pig, Wonderful Pig, and Radiant Pig. These messages brighten up Wilbur and brought attention to the possibility this was a pig worth keeping. Our words to others should be like the words of Charlotte. Our words should lift up the spirits of others. We should identify with others and realize they sin just as we too sin. Our words should provide the encouragement to do the right things. We can point out faults, but we do it in a way that is positive and brings about restoration. We should not be quick to judge the actions of others because we too may find ourselves in a place of judgment. Which is more encouraging to you? Words of condemnation or words of encouragement on how to move forward and do what is right.