Pay attention! We must not compromise with sin. If someone is guilty, we may rebuke them—but only if commanded by God. The problem is that, without God’s command, we often immediately question, blame, condemn, and bring others down. That means we do not forgive, and if we do not forgive, we will not be forgiven. This is what is meant by the measure you use on others will be used on you. Here it becomes clear that being a true Christian is very demanding. We may be harmed, yet we have no right to judge. What should our attitude be? That is why the previous verse says, “Blessed are the meek, “meaning those who are willing to be treated unjustly. Christianity is indeed extraordinary.
Jesus often sharply rebuked the Pharisees and scribes. Does that mean He judged them? No. Although He will one day be the Judge, He did not judge while on earth. The basis of His criticism was, first, God’s truth—not His personal viewpoint but the Father’s truth that rebukes. Second, Jesus intended to correct them by confronting their faults so they would be set right. May we do the same as Jesus did? Yes, if God commands us to rebuke a guilty brother. It even becomes a calling or duty when God gives that command. But we must be wise and not fault-find.
Matthew 7:3 teaches us to examine ourselves before helping others. God’s message is not to judge, but to self-correct first, then aid others. We must carefully assess ourselves and avoid jumping to conclusions about others, since we often lack context. For instance, when witnessing anger, we don’t know its cause. Too often, we judge from a limited perspective.
Often, people comment on others’ actions without understanding the issue at hand, which can grow into gossip or slander. This is harmful. Some are immature and love to comment on everything. Instead of judging from our own perspective, we must try to see things from the other person’s situation, understanding their condition and real background. Subjectively judging others often makes them seem wrong to us, as if we are always right. Such mindsets are hard to change. Therefore, do not rush to comment. Learn to keep your opinions to yourself.
It is human nature in general to more easily see others’ faults than our own. That is why Jesus rebuked, “Why do you see the speck (kárphos = wood shaving) in your brother’s eye, but do not see the log (dókos) in your own eye?” Some people keep this attitude into old age. They never accept blame. There is always an excuse to defend their behavior. Even when cornered, they apologize only reluctantly and often angrily.
If we are such people, it means we do not have a good inner disposition; our hearts are not right. The sign of such a person is having few friends. Wherever they go, they constantly clash with others. Psychologically, this is clear. They have no friends, let alone friends willing to sacrifice for them. This is just from a general perspective, not yet the spiritual side. If they do have friends, those friends are usually oppressed, controllable, or beneficial to them. This contrasts with someone who can accept others. Such a person usually has many friends, even some willing to sacrifice for them.