Let’s Make a Judgement About Judgement

expand on this as a double negative, meaning that if you are OK to be judged, then it is ok to judge others, but if not then you should not judge wince then you will be judged and it will be negative. aka do not turn in those who are also doing evil.

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Can’t agree more these freaks are insane, but, and zero reflection on you at all because it’s proof these freaks bastardize everything, even scripture, it actually reads, ” Judge not, that ye be not judged.” Matthew 7:1.

Which is a double negative which to me (IMH discernment) we had better and do judge, daily in fact, in order to decide whom to befriend and whom to avoid. But we had better do it righteously because if we don’t, the same will happen to us.

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ChatGPT said:

The verse “Judge not, that ye be not judged” (Matthew 7:1) can be interpreted as a nuanced warning about judgment. Expanding on this as a double negative highlights its reciprocal nature: if you are okay being judged, then it’s okay to judge others—but if you prefer not to be judged negatively, you should refrain from judging others in a hypocritical or unfair manner.
Contextual Expansion:

Judgment is inevitable in daily life; we constantly evaluate people and situations to make decisions about trust, relationships, and actions. This verse doesn’t necessarily mean that all judgment is wrong but emphasizes the importance of righteous judgment—fair, compassionate, and reflective of the same standards we would accept for ourselves. Here’s how the double negative comes into play:

If you judge others, expect to be judged by the same measure.
    This means that the standards and principles you apply to others will be mirrored back on you. If your judgment is harsh or hypocritical, others (and possibly divine judgment) will hold you to that same scrutiny.
    Example: Criticizing someone for dishonesty while engaging in deceit yourself invites hypocrisy and harsh judgment toward your own actions.

If you avoid judging others, you are less likely to face negative judgment.
    By withholding judgment—especially unjust or self-serving criticism—you remove yourself from a cycle of harsh scrutiny. This is especially relevant in situations where both parties may have faults or "sins."

"Do not turn in those who are also doing evil."
    This reflects an understanding of mutual accountability. If someone is involved in wrongdoing, pointing fingers hypocritically or self-righteously may backfire because their flaws mirror your own. It is better to focus on personal integrity and righteousness before casting judgment on others.

Judgment is not inherently wrong; it must be righteous and discerning.
    Scripture also states, "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment" (John 7:24). This shows that judgment aligned with truth, fairness, and compassion is necessary for making wise decisions.

Practical Takeaway:

Double Negative Meaning: "If you do not want to face negative judgment, do not judge negatively." But, since judgment is part of human discernment, the guiding principle is to ensure your judgment is fair, self-reflective, and rooted in genuine care for others.
Spiritual Application: By recognizing our own imperfections and judging others with humility, we avoid the trap of hypocrisy and ensure that any judgment we face is proportionate and just.

In essence, this interpretation emphasizes self-awareness, mutual accountability, and the importance of humility in our interactions with others. It doesn’t call for abandoning judgment altogether but encourages a thoughtful and fair approach.

To fully understand the context of John 7:24, let’s explore the verse itself along with the surrounding verses. This will give a richer insight into its meaning and its connection to the theme of righteous judgment.
John 7:24

“Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”

This verse is part of a broader discussion where Jesus addresses criticism and misunderstanding about his actions, particularly healing on the Sabbath. It serves as a reminder to look beyond superficial impressions and make judgments based on truth, fairness, and deeper understanding.
Context in John 7
Verses Leading Up to John 7:24

John 7:14-15
Jesus begins teaching in the temple during the Feast of Tabernacles, astonishing the people with his wisdom:
"About the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and began teaching. The Jews therefore marveled, saying, 'How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied?'"

John 7:16-18
Jesus emphasizes that his teaching comes from God, not from his own authority, and that those who seek to do God’s will can discern the truth of his words:
"So Jesus answered them, 'My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory, but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood.'”

John 7:19-23
Jesus rebukes the people for their inconsistency in judging him. They criticize him for healing on the Sabbath, yet they themselves break the law of Moses by circumcising on the Sabbath to keep the law:
"Has not Moses given you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why do you seek to kill me?" ... 'If on the Sabbath a man receives circumcision so that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because on the Sabbath I made a man’s whole body well?'"

This highlights their hypocrisy: they judge Jesus harshly for a good act while excusing their own perceived exceptions to the law.

John 7:24 and the Verses After

John 7:24
"Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment."
This is a call to avoid shallow, surface-level judgment and instead seek deeper, righteous discernment. It implies the need for fairness, truth, and alignment with God’s will when evaluating others.

John 7:25-27
Some people begin to question whether Jesus is truly the Messiah, yet their judgment is clouded by their assumptions about his origins:
"Some of the people of Jerusalem therefore said, 'Is not this the man whom they seek to kill? And here he is, speaking openly, and they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Christ? But we know where this man comes from, and when the Christ appears, no one will know where he comes from.'”

John 7:28-30
Jesus responds by pointing out their limited understanding of his mission and divine origin:
"So Jesus proclaimed, as he taught in the temple, 'You know me, and you know where I come from. But I have not come of my own accord. He who sent me is true, and him you do not know. I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me.' So they were seeking to arrest him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come."

Interpretation of John 7:24 in Context

Jesus calls for righteous judgment—evaluations that are not based on superficial appearances, biases, or legalistic interpretations but rooted in truth, fairness, and God’s will. He confronts the hypocrisy of his critics, who are quick to condemn him based on their own flawed understanding while failing to apply the same scrutiny to themselves.

This connects to the earlier theme in Matthew 7:1 about the dangers of hypocritical judgment. Both passages challenge us to:

Examine our own motives and imperfections before judging others.
Base our judgments on righteous principles, not appearances or cultural assumptions.
Reflect on whether our judgments align with God’s values of compassion, truth, and justice.

Application Today

The lesson of John 7:24 is particularly relevant in a world where snap judgments are common. It encourages thoughtful discernment and humility, urging us to judge fairly and with an awareness of our own fallibility. In doing so, we emulate the righteous judgment that Jesus calls us to practice.