Applying this idea to our own lives
Believers should be finding information about the Hebraic Roots, which gives insights that cast new light on
the Bible which fill in many gaps. It is not uncommon when a person starts learning more to have an attitude
of judgment on Christianity, to ask, "Why wasn't I told this ever before?" and even to assume that some
malicious intent is behind the lack of knowledge of this background. People who formerly expressed their
love for YHWH in traditional Christian ways suddenly feel that those who observe Christian traditions are
practicing paganism, and become angry and accusatory of others.
We can have a neutral discussion about whether a tradition is sound, using the Bible as guide; and may
even change our own practice—which is exercising discernment. But that is different than to accuse people
of worshipping idols when the true intent of their hearts is to lovingly worship YHWH. It seems that any time
when some new, good insight enters the Believing world, it can become a source of division instead—
because of our habit of judging negatively. Whether it is learning about their Jewish heritage, or using
spiritual gifts, or adopting contemporary worship styles—Believers often reflect the pervasive habit of
condemnation that is part of our world, one they hardly realise is wrong.
Believers would do well to focus more on the ethic to judge favourably. We emphasise sexual purity, and
rightly so; but while sexual promiscuity damages some marriages, probably no marriage has ever escaped
terrible wounding from unfair accusations and judgments. In the same way, while a few children grow up
scarred from physical abuse, many more grow up scarred from relentless criticism from parents who did not
judge them favourably. Indeed, the worst "judges" are often those who never received mercy themselves,
and never learned to extend it to others. We should realise this and even refrain from condemning the most
judgmental, because we don't know how much criticism they have endured themselves.
To hear Y‟shua one more time,(36) ―Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
(37) Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye
shall be forgiven:
(38) Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and
running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be
measured to you again‖. (Luke 6:36-38)
7:3-5 Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye?
―(3) And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in
thine own eye? (4) Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold,
a beam is in thine own eye? (5) Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt
thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye‖.
Paul and James had similar messages about double standards:
(21) ―Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should
not steal, dost thou steal?
(22) Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest
idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?
(23) Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?‖ (Rom
2:21-23)
(1) ―My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
(2) For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in
also a poor man in vile raiment;
(3) And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good
place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
(4) Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?‖ (Jam 2:1-4)
Again, Y‘shua's words are a reflection of the teachings of the Pharisees:
Babylonian Talmud, Er'chin 16b: Rabbi Tarfon said, "I wonder if there be anyone in this era who will allow
himself to be reproved. If someone says to another, 'Cast out the speck that is in your eye!' he will retort,
̳Cast out first the beam that is in your own eye!'‖
Babylonian Talmud, Kidushin 70a: ―He who condemns others, sees in them his own faults‖.