To the Ends of the Earth: Witness – Week 4, Day 2 – Only God Can Judge the Hearts of People

Mark C. McCann | 02/18/2025

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”

Matthew 7:1–5

It’s easy to miss the almost comedic nature of this passage from Matthew. As human beings we tend to see the tiniest faults in others while ignoring the most egregious errors in our own lives. We judge others because in some warped way it seems to elevate us above them. This self-deception is dangerous. In human terms, to judge really means to draw conclusions about people’s morality and motivation and to condemn them based on our own misperceptions of their character. But Jesus has told us that judgment belongs to God alone. Only he has the wisdom to understand the truth of our lives. We need to remember that the way we judge others will ultimately come back on us, for the measure we give is the measure we will receive (Mt 7:2).

While this may seem harsh, it is really an illustration of how God will judge us in the end. We may say we believe, attend Church, and do good works. But God knows if we are truly clothed with the righteousness of Christ. We are not called to determine who is fit for the kingdom. We are only called to share the Good News and lead people into a right relationship with Christ. Let us praise God for his justice and mercy!

Questions for reflection

When have you passed judgment on someone who did not fit your picture of a believer?

When has your judgmental attitude of others blinded you to your own faults and sins?

What steps can you take to answer the call to reach out to the lost and let God do the rest?

Praying with Scripture

There is one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you that you judge your neighbor? (Jas 4:12)

You can learn more about the To the Ends of the Earth Series HERE

You can watch and listen to this devotion HERE

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About the Author

Mark C. McCann

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Mark C. McCann is an author and Ministry Consultant with more than 30 years of writing and ministry experience. He has published articles for a number of Catholic magazines and websites including St. Anthony Messenger, Emmanuel Magazine, Liguorian Magazine, Catholic Stand, the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He recently published the 4-volume Catholic men's devotional, To the Ends of the Earth, as well as the 2021 Advent Daybreaks devotional and 2022 Lenten Daybreaks devotional with Liguori Publishing. He has also released his End Times novel series, Jacob's Dream: The Vision and Jacob's Dream: The Final Battle. He was a radio host and producer for 8 years at a Connecticut Christian radio station and has worked as a Catholic religion teacher/campus minister and a parish youth minister. He has also served the Norwich, CT Diocese as a Youth Ministry Director and Family Life Director. He currently lives in Connecticut with his Proverbs 31 wife, where together they have brought up three incredible children. He strives each day to live out his call to be a man of words. You can learn more about Mark and his writing at www.wordsnvisions.com.