“Don’t judge other people, and God will not judge you. If you judge other people, you will be judged in the same way you judge them. And the way you give to other people will be the way God gives to you.” (Matthew 7:1-2)

As Matthew continues his presentation of Jesus’ great teaching, he wants us to hear the Lord’s words on how to live in our world. The previous verses have focused on how to deal with our concerns for provision and our desires for more things. In the next few verses, the focus will be on our treatment of others. Jesus doesn’t want us to fault-find, gossip, or be cynical and harshly critical of those around us. He doesn’t want us to assume that we know the motives of others’ hearts. He wants us to be gracious to others as God has been gracious with us. However, if we choose to ignore his words, he warns that God will judge us with the same standard we use on others. Pretty sobering reminder to be gracious!