Judging Others & The Golden Rule

Scripture
[1] “Judge not, that you be not judged. [2] For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. [3] 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? [4] 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? [5] 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. (ESV)
[12] “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. (ESV)
Engaging the Scripture
1. “Judge not, that you may not be judged” is often cited to indicate that no one has the right to challenge or seek to correct another person’s behavior. How do you respond to this perspective?
2. What should be done before attempting to instruct or correct someone else (vs.5)? Does this mean that a person has to be totally free of any personal defect or sin before seeking to guide others into truth?
3. Is there a difference between upholding biblical teaching regarding doctrine and lifestyle and expecting others to live according to your convictions? In other words, is there a difference between making a judgement and being judgmental?
4. How is the “Golden Rule” taught in the Law and the Prophets? (See Matthew 22:34-40)
Living as a Kingdom Citizen
1. How can we take a stand for our convictions, without being judgmental and hypocritical?
2. What convictions do you have that go beyond biblical commands?
3. How is it hypocritical to seek to correct someone else without dealing with our own issues?
4. What are some examples of this type of hypocrisy taking place in our lives and churches today?