Because God exercises righteous judgment, His children ought to as well.
Such judgment among humans is neither quick nor easy. But it is right.
In the first half of Matthew 7, Jesus vividly describes the unique and distinguishing characteristics of righteous judgment. So far, we have considered these telltale characteristics: 1) Intentionally avoid using unrighteous judgment (v. 1), 2) Deliberately avoid using hypocritical judgment (v. 2-4), 3) Engage in self-examination before taking action (v. 5), 4) Don’t waste your time on spiritually toxic people (v. 6), and 5) Make accuracy your highest priority (v. 7).
To this list “Be prayerful” needs to be added, for Jesus said, “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” (vv. 8-11).
In expecting you to exercise righteous judgment, God has not set you up for failure. He does not expect something of His children and then refuse to help them when they seriously strive to obey Him. Neither does He mock His children by giving them counterfeit blessings.
He is NOT that kind of father.
