Luke 6:37
Iudge not, and ye shall not bee iudged: condemne not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgiue, and ye shall be forgiuen. Luke 6:37 (KJV)
Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned; forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.
Luke 6:37 is part of the Sermon on the Plain, where Jesus teaches His disciples and a multitude of people about various aspects of Christian living. In this verse, Jesus addresses the topics of judgment, condemnation, and forgiveness.
Jesus begins by saying, “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged.” This statement urges His followers to refrain from a judgmental attitude toward others. It does not mean that we should never exercise discernment or make righteous judgments (John 7:24), but it warns against a critical and condemnatory spirit.
He continues, “condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned.” Condemnation involves passing a severe judgment or pronouncing a sentence of guilt. As believers, we are called to extend mercy and grace to others rather than condemning them. Remember that God is the ultimate judge, and we should trust in His perfect justice.
In the latter part of the verse, Jesus instructs His disciples to “forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.” Forgiveness is a fundamental principle of the Christian faith. We are called to forgive others just as God has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:32). When we extend forgiveness to others, we open ourselves to receive God’s forgiveness and experience the freedom and peace that comes with it.
This verse challenges us to examine our attitudes and actions toward others. Instead of being judgmental and quick to condemn, we are called to show mercy, grace, and forgiveness. It reminds us that the way we treat others has a direct impact on how we will be treated by God. When we extend forgiveness and refrain from passing harsh judgment, we reflect the character of Christ and foster unity and love in our relationships.
Additional passages that highlight the importance of not judging, avoiding condemnation, and practicing forgiveness include Matthew 7:1-5, Romans 2:1-4, and Colossians 3:13.
