Isn’t that usually what we mean when we use the term “righteous indignation?” We’re offended at something that has been done that is so outside our moral code that we can’t imagine anyone doing it. At least that’s what we want people to think when we spout off about it. Maybe we even believe it ourselves. Maybe in a particular case it’s even true.

Even people outside the church are familiar with Jesus’ admonition not to judge lest we be judged. We misuse that little snippet of scripture in an attempt to justify ourselves or at least to forestall criticism of our actions. We don’t read the other scriptures that clarify what He’s saying. The standard you use will be applied to you, so it better be His standard.

His standard is much different than ours. His judgment is truly righteous. He looks at what is in our hearts, and that is where we are in trouble. All sin creates a separation between us and God. Though there is Biblical foundation for degrees of sin, it’s all sufficient to destroy our relationship with a pure and holy God. That’s why He had to come and save us.

Are we then not to confront sin? That’s not at all what Jesus is saying. He confronted sin, most often that of the most religious people of His day. Also read Paul’s letter to the Corinthians (1 Co. 5.) Where we get in trouble is imagining ourselves to be superior to the one who has been caught in sin. We know we aren’t without sin, but we convince ourselves that ours are not as bad as someone else’s. We are all lost unless we fall upon the mercy of Jesus, giving ourselves to Him as He gave Himself to us.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. ” (Matthew 5:7)