Title: Do not criticize / Matthew 7:1-6
Do not criticize the content / Matthew 7:1-6
Key Verse: “Judge not, lest you be judged” (verse 1).
Word: There is a saying in the Talmud. “Slandering others is more dangerous than murder. Murder only kills one, slander kills three. The slanderer himself, the one who hears it, and the slanderer.”
In this text, the Lord says: “Do not criticize if you do not want to criticize.” Why does the Lord say not to criticize? Criticism is circular. The criticized person finds the criticism of the critic and criticizes them again. Criticism breeds condemnation and curses. As a result, the happiness of the community is destroyed in an instant. Criticism is addictive. When you criticize, a negative perspective develops, so you can't see many beautiful things, but only see things to criticize. In the end, he becomes addicted to criticism and leads an unhappy life. Criticism is cursed. Criticism blocks prayer above all else. Since we cannot pray sincerely with a heart full of criticism, our hearts become even more desolated and we are living in curses from blessings. So the Lord emphasizes. “If you don’t want to live unhappy, don’t criticize!”
This is the story of American film director John Huston. One evening when his daughter says, "I hate Van Gogh's paintings," Houston replies. “You don’t like Van Gogh’s paintings? So, how many Van Gogh paintings you know of and tell me why you don't like them?” As the daughter hesitates, Houston instructs. “It’s not about judging others without knowing them in detail.”
However, there are things in the world that cannot be done with my own strength, effort and determination. In this case, prayer is the only way. Remembering the grace of Jesus on the cross and praying. When we pray, the peace of God that overcomes criticism and anxiety comes upon us (Philippians 4:6-7).
Prayer: Lord, who said that the innocent should first cast the first stone, so that we do not commit the foolishness of hurting each other by criticizing, and help us build a blessed family that builds up and encourages each other. I pray in Jesus name. Amen.
Lord's Prayer