Good Fruit vs. Bad Fruit: How to Discern Wisely in a Confusing World

In this podcast episode, the host delves into the critical distinction between judgment and discernment as taught by Jesus in Matthew chapter 7 of the Sermon on the Mount. This chapter begins with the well-known admonition, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged." However, the episode emphasizes that this directive does not preclude the necessity of discernment in our interactions with others.

The Nature of Judgment

In this context, " judgment " refers to a private opinion that often carries a sense of condemnation or punishment. It implies a harsh assessment of others that distances us from them, rendering them unfit in our eyes. The host illustrates this concept with a personal anecdote about feeling judgmental toward a stranger in a public setting. This example highlights how easy it is to pass judgment without understanding the full context of another person's life.

Jesus warns that the measure we use to judge others will be the same measure applied to us. This serves as a reminder that our judgments often reflect our own shortcomings and self-centeredness. The host encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives and recognize their vulnerabilities, which can foster empathy and reduce the tendency to judge others harshly.

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