What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "The Meaning of Judging in Matthew 7:1"
Answer
The command “Do not judge” in Matthew 7:1 primarily means that people should not presume the right to condemn others or act as judges over their motives, as this belongs to God alone. Those who judge others place themselves in God’s position and often reveal their own character flaws or similar sins that they try to hide through criticism of others. Instead of issuing harsh judgments, Christians should act with compassion, forbearance, and an awareness of their own fallibility.
The Danger of Self‑Justice and Hypocrisy
»The fact that the word “judge” is used here in the sense of “condemn” is evident from the parallel account. This shows not only that those who judge others also condemn themselves, as Paul observed, but also that those who do not condemn others will not be condemned. A harsh judgment always stems from an evil heart. From the writings available to us we are justified in stating that it is proof that a person is, to some degree, guilty of the same sin when he sits in judgment over another. The guilty soul loves to proclaim another’s guilt in order to divert attention from its own.«
Judging as an Assumption of Divine Privileges
»We should be careful not to take the work of judging into our own hands, which belongs to God. ... The Savior commands us: "Do not judge, so that you will not be judged. For with the judgment you render, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you." Remember that your life report will soon stand before God for examination. Also remember that He said: "You are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are, who you judge: ... for you, who judge, do the same.«
Criticism and the Loss of Divine Grace
»Anyone who takes it upon themselves to judge and criticize others subjects themselves to the same measure of judgment and criticism. Those who are ready to condemn their brothers would do well to examine their own works and character. Such an honestly conducted examination will reveal that they too have character flaws and have made serious mistakes in their work. If the Great Judge dealt with people as they deal with their employees, they would consider Him unfriendly and unmerciful.«
Human Standards vs. Love
»A system of human invention with its myriad demands will lead its proponents to judge everyone who does not meet the prescribed human standard. An atmosphere of selfish and narrow criticism stifles noble and generous feelings and causes people to become egocentric judges and petty spies. ... Their own achievements became the standard by which they judged others. By donning the robes of self‑esteem, they ascended the judge’s seat to criticize and condemn.«
Gentleness Toward the Erring
»In Christ’s Sermon on the Mount He said: "Do not judge, so that you will not be judged." ... Our Savior rebuked premature judging. ... It is often the case that someone, while being quick to point out the faults of his brothers, is himself mired in greater errors but blind to them. All who are followers of Christ should treat one another exactly as we wish the Lord to treat us in our errors and weaknesses; for we all err and need His compassion and forgiveness.«
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.
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