Luke 6:38Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Judge not thy superior, that is, thou a disciple must not judge thy master, nor a sinner the innocent. Thou must not blame them, but advise and correct with love; neither must we pass judgment in doubtful and indifferent matters, which bear no resemblance to sin, or which are not serious or forbidden.

But some one will put the subtle question, “If the return is made overabundantly, how is it the same measure?” to which we answer, that He said not, “In just as great a measure shall it be measured to you again, but in the same measure.” For he who has shewn mercy, shall have mercy shewn unto him, and this is measuring again with the same measure; but our Lord spoke of the measure running over, because to such a one He will shew mercy a thousand times. So also in judging; for he that judges and afterwards is judged receives the same measure. But as far as he was judged the more severely that he judged one like unto himself, was the measure running over.

But the Apostle explains this when he says, He who sows sparingly, (that is, scantily, and with a niggardly hand,) shall also reap sparingly, (2 Cor. 6:9.) (that is, not abundantly,) and he who sows blessings, shall reap also blessings, that is, bountifully. But if a man has not, and performs not, he is not guilty. For a man is accepted in that which he has, not in that which he has not.

But he says, shall they give, (Mat. 10:42.) because through the merits of those to whom they have given even a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, shall they be thought worthy to receive a heavenly reward. It follows, For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

For according to the same measure with which each one of you metes, that is, in doing good works or sinning, will he receive reward or punishment.

Be not then rash to judge harshly of your servants, lest ye suffer the like. For passing judgment calls down a heavier condemnation; as it follows, Condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned. For he does not forbid judgment with pardon.

The Lord added, that we must not readily judge others, lest when conscious of guilt thyself, thou shouldest be compelled to pass sentence upon another.

Give, and you shall receive. Extend kindness in every possible way. A generous portion, pressed down, shaken together, and overflowing will be poured into your lap. This expression is metaphorical. It is common practice for those who accurately measure grain to compact it by applying pressure to the container, shaking it by tapping the side, allowing it to settle, and then filling it to the point of overflowing. Who will recompense such generosity? Certainly, those who have been favored. For when God rewards them, it is as if they themselves are repaying. But they will return it to those who lend to them with great enthusiasm. For with the same measure that you use, it shall be measured back to you. This holds true for the same measure of compassion you extend to others when you assist those in need.

Now in a short sentence he concisely sums up all that he had enjoined with respect to our conduct towards our enemies, saying, Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven, wherein he bids us forgive injuries, and shew kindness, and our sins shall be forgiven us, and we shall receive eternal life.

In summary, the Lord instructed that in every necessity we should consistently seek God through prayer, adhere to the principle that our love for others should be as strong as our love for ourselves, learn to navigate the narrow path, be cautious of misleading teachers, and act upon the teachings we have received. By establishing these guidelines for His disciples, the Lord highlighted the essential differences between their righteousness and that of the Pharisees, providing a solid foundation for the spiritual development of His chosen community.

Accusing another is often rooted in a sense of pride regarding one’s own moral superiority (Luke 18:10, etc.), or in the intent to humiliate the other, to disseminate slander about them, or in a combination of both. Even casual chatter, which frequently occurs in everyday interactions, reveals an underlying sense of pleasure taken in another's faults among those engaging in such discussions, though this is sometimes veiled by a façade of sympathy for the individual being talked about. It must be acknowledged that there is not a single flaw or passion that cannot arise in anyone, leaving each person vulnerable to such tendencies. Furthermore, judging others starkly contradicts the command of Christian love towards our neighbors.

After establishing guidelines for the relationship between individuals and themselves, Christ then provided guidance on how they should relate to one another. While Pharisaic righteousness faltered by favoring earthly desires excessively, consequently neglecting spiritual needs, it also displayed a harshness and intolerance towards others, marked by exclusivity and haughty disdain, often judging through a rigid, lifeless legal perspective. To caution His followers against succumbing to this sin, Christ offered insightful and wise counsel on how to treat our neighbors. Primarily addressing the arrogance of the Pharisees, who unfairly assessed those who did not meet their standards of legalism, Christ instructed, “Judge not, that ye be not judged.

Consider the following: In the Gospel of Luke, the concept is elaborated more fully than in Matthew. While Matthew primarily addresses condemnation and restitution based on the severity of that condemnation, Luke offers a broader perspective, discussing the principle of recompense for every action relative to its nature. In Matthew, the focus is more on the consequences of wrongdoing, whereas Luke highlights the rewards for righteousness and virtue.

In the serene and sacred community of Christ's disciples, there is no room for hypocrisy, which seeks glory through outward displays of piety, nor for another detrimental vice that affects both personal and communal relationships. This vice is the malicious judgment of others, driven by hatred, envy, pride, and other unwholesome motives. “Judge not, that ye be not judged: for as ye judge, so shall ye be judged: and in the same measure ye measure, it shall be measured unto you.” St. Gregory of Nyssa interprets these words by noting that the Lord does not prohibit righteous judgment; rather, it is unmerciful judgment that is condemned. This occurs when judgment aims to offend and humiliate, pronounced by individuals who are neither appointed nor aware of all the relevant circumstances.