3 Day Bible Reading Plan - “Judging”
“This tendency toward judgment is not absent from the church. In fact, it can be a significant problem among followers of Christ. We, who are called to be known by our love, sometimes judge one another harshly and treat each other unfairly. We draw lines, create factions, and engage in spiritual one-upmanship, all while claiming to follow the one who embodies both compassion and conviction.” - Pastor Paul Crandell, 5/4/25
Day 1
Featured Verse: Matthew 7:1-6 - “With the measure you use it will be measured to you.”
How does the command "Do not judge" balance with the need for discernment in Christian community, especially when addressing sin or moral issues?
What does Jesus mean by "the measure you use," and how might this principle apply to our relationships with others?
In Matthew 7:3-5, Jesus uses the metaphor of the speck and the plank. What does this imagery suggest about self-awareness and humility in confronting our own sins before addressing others' faults?
Pause and Reflect: Consider how the speck and plank imagery calls you to humbly examine your own heart before pointing out someone else’s faults. Pray for wisdom to share God’s truth lovingly and discern when to speak or stay silent.
“The man who is keen to see the mote in his brother’s eye is usually blind to the beam in his own. Christ’s teaching here calls for self-examination and charity. If we would judge rightly, we must first judge ourselves, lest we play the hypocrite while seeking to correct others.” - Alexander Maclaren
Day 2
Featured Verse: John 7:24 - “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”
What does Jesus mean by "right judgment," and how can Christians cultivate this approach in their daily interactions and decision-making?
How does John 7:24 relate to Matthew 7:1-6, particularly in reconciling the call to avoid hypocritical judgment with the responsibility to make righteous judgments?
In what ways might judging "by appearances" lead to spiritual or moral errors, and how can we guard against this tendency?
Pause and Reflect: Consider how often you judge situations or people based on appearances rather than seeking God’s truth. Ask yourself what steps you can take to cultivate "right judgment" rooted in humility and wisdom. Pray for discernment to see beyond surface impressions and for the courage to judge justly in alignment with God’s will.
“Christ reproves those who judged Him by outward show, and not by the weight of His doctrine and miracles. Righteous judgment is that which is guided by reason and equity, grounded on the word of God, and not biased by the appearance of things, which often deceives.” - Matthew Henry
Day 3
Featured Verse: 1 Samuel 16:7 - “Do not look on his appearance…man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”
What does 1 Samuel 16:7 suggest about the role of inner transformation and heart condition in a believer’s relationship with God, compared to external actions or appearances?
How does the contrast between human and divine perspectives inform our understanding of God’s omniscience and justice, especially in judging motives and intentions?
In what practical ways can the church embody the value of 1 Samuel 16:7 when selecting leaders, fostering community, or engaging with those who may not fit societal standards of success or acceptability?
Pause and Reflect: Think about how God’s focus on the heart challenges you to value inner character over outward traits. Pray for discernment to see people as God sees them and for a heart aligned with His priorities.
“Man looketh on the outward appearance, and how often is he deceived! But God looketh on the heart, and there He saw in David a soul after His own heart, fitted for His purpose, though to human eyes he was but a stripling. Let us learn to judge as God judges, and value the hidden grace above the outward show.” - Charles Spurgeon