John 8:16

“If I were to choose to judge,” Jesus continues. “Every judgment I would make would be true. This is because I am not out there standing alone; I am standing side by side with the Father who sent me.” John 8:16 EFP 

How interesting. Jesus who has the right to judge, chooses not to. Jesus, who alone can claim infallibility, does not seize it as a reason to use that omniscience to judge the wayward. Jesus, who has the closes connection possible with the Almighty Father, does not lay claim to his lofty position as a basis for bringing condemnation. Yet it is to him “the Father…has given…authority to execute judgment.., because He is the Son of Man.” (John 5:26, 27).

That thought alone is sufficient to give me pause. I realize the whole subject of “judging” others is a quagmire. I am told not to judge in some instances (Matthew 7:1), while at other times I am told to judge (1 Corinthians 6:3). If nothing else I need to tread carefully when I choose to judge. I need to keep in mind, “With the measure I measure I will be measured.” (Matthew 7:2) He will also sit in judgment of me when the time comes—and when that moment comes he has the best perspective on which to base his decision—my heart. Lord, let my heart be free from malice and condemnation.