What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Interpretation of Matthew 7:1 on judging others"
Answer
Jesus' instruction \"Do not judge, so that you will not be judged\" is primarily understood as a warning against harsh, hasty, and condemning judgment of others. The writings emphasize that one who judges others often ignores his own greater faults, falling into hypocrisy and usurping a place that belongs only to God.
The purpose of this command is not to prohibit gentle correction of error, but to eliminate the critical and selfish spirit that arises from self‑righteousness. The measure of mercy or harshness we apply to others will be the same that will be applied to us in divine judgment.
\n\nThe danger of hasty judgment and self‑blindness
\n\n\n\n»Our Savior rebuked hasty judgment. “Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, and do not notice the beam that is in your own eye?” It often happens that, while one is quick to discern the errors of his brothers, he himself may be in greater faults, yet be blind to them.«
Judgment as evidence of one's own guilt
\n\n\n»That the word “judge” is used here in the sense of “condemn” is evident... When a man sits down to judge another, it is evidence that he himself is, to some degree, guilty of the same sin. The guilty soul loves to proclaim another’s guilt to divert attention from his own. Let gossipers and scandal‑mongers take note of this.«
A human standard versus the love of God
\n\n\n»A system of human invention, with its multitudinous demands, will lead its defenders to judge all who do not meet the prescribed human standard. The atmosphere of selfish and narrow criticism stifles noble and generous emotions, and causes men to become egocentric judges and petty spies.«
Avoid taking God's place
\n\n\n»God allows men to be placed in positions of responsibility. When they err, He has the power to correct them or remove them. We must be careful not to take into our hands the work of judging that belongs to God.«
Mercy for those who fail
\n\n\n»Remember that your brothers are fallible beings like you, and consider their mistakes and errors with the same mercy and patience that you wish they would extend toward you. They should not be monitored nor their defects displayed publicly for the world to rejoice.«
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- Meaning of the speck and the beam in the eye \n
- Difference between fraternal correction and condemning judgment \n
- Consequences of judging according to the Sermon on the Mount \n
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
Why I built EGW Vision
Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
EGW Vision helps you find topics, statements, and quotes faster, especially when many original sources are not yet fully available in your language. The tool searches semantically, groups relevant content by topic, and presents matching results as clearly as possible in your language.
My hope is that this tool supports personal Bible study, strengthens trust in the original sources, and helps more people discover the message of these writings with clarity, depth, and joy.
