By Stephen Wolemonwu
Understanding The Command “Judge Not” (Matthew 7:1–2)
• What type of judgment is Jesus’ warning against, (Luke 6:37) and why didHe say we will be judged by the same measure? (James 2:13).

Jesus commands believers not to judge others, warning that the same harsh, hypocritical or critical standard used on others will be applied to them. It also prohibits judgmental, condemnatory attitudes, not the need for moral discernment
• How does mercy influence the way we treat others? (Romans 14:10-13).

Mercy is a profound and active, rather than passive, approach to treating others, characterised by compassion, forgiveness, and kindness, particularly toward those who have wronged us or are in a position of weakness. It goes beyond merely being “nice” by choosing to withhold deserved punishment, retaliation or condemnation in favour of restoration and grace.

The Speck And The Log — Self-examination (Matthew 7:3–5)
SELF-EXAMINATION as rooted in 2Corinthians 13:5, defined by topical Bible dictionary, “is the critical, daily spiritual practice of evaluating one’s heart, motives, and actions against the scripture to ensure one is living in faith. It is an act of humility, not mere introspection that leads to repentance, spiritual growth, and alignment with God. Rather than relying on worldly standards.” Most times we judge others and situations whom and which we have no idea of the weights therein.

In correcting others, we must do so without hypocrisy; and if we must not be hypocritical then we must do it with (1) Self-reflection: before correcting someone, ask yourself if you struggle with the same issue. If you do, acknowledge it openly, that honesty removes hypocrisy.

(2) Humility. Correction should sound like guidance, not condemnation.

Phrases like, “I’ve made this mistake too, but here’s what helped me” make correction authentic. (3) Consistency: Live by the values you’re encouraging. If you correct dishonesty, but bend the truth yourself, the correction loses credibility.

(4) Empathy: Understand the person’s situation. Correction without compassion feels hypocritical because it ignores context. (5) Focus on growth, not fault: Frame correction as an opportunity to improve rather than a judgment. That way, it’s constructive, not hypocritical.

Reflective Application
Have You Ever Judged Someone Without Knowing His Or Her Struggles?
How can you create a safe space for people who are silently hurting? What does self-examination look like in situations like this?

Key Lesson
Matthew 7:1–6 teaches that believers must avoid quick condemnation and instead practice humility, mercy and careful discernment. Like Ejiro’s story shows that not every visible reaction tells the whole story. True Christian maturity seeks understanding before judgment and restoration before criticism.

Conclusion
Jesus’ teaching on “Judge not” challenges believers to replace criticism with humility and mercy. Rather than condemning others, Christians are called to examine themselves first and correct others with love and gentleness. The passage teaches balance — avoiding hypocritical judgment while maintaining spiritual discernment. When believers practice grace and wisdom, they reflect Christ’s character and build healthier relationships within the Christian community.

• The Venerable Stephen Wolemonwu is the Rector,Ibru Ecumenical Centre, Agbarha-Otor, Delta State (08035413812)