‘Only God Can Judge’
This Is a Lie and a Means of Avoiding Accountability. (Matthew 7:1-5)
The point of this passage is to judge properly, to judge fairly, and to judge honestly. If this passage were merely about not judging, Jesus would not have followed this section with verses 15-20, where he instructs us to beware of false prophets and discern their righteousness.
Jesus advocates for righteous judgement and I am convinced that righteous judgement is beneficial and necessary in our walk to live more like Christ.
We should engage in righteous judgement, which includes discerning right from wrong and holding others accountable, as well as submit to righteous judgement, which means we become vulnerable with others and let them into our lives so they can help us grow.
The popular phrase, “Only God Can Judge Me” is an unbiblical falsehood, and the scriptural basis for this phrase has been taken out of context. This misconception of Matthew 7 has discouraged and misled people to believe they are beyond judgement or accountability from others.
