JUDGE NOT

“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.”— Luke 6:37–38

I recently read a piece in The New York Times titled “New Prosecutors, Old Enemies.” The language in the article caught my attention, not because of what it presented, but because of the way it was framed. The author wrote:

“President Trump’s efforts to use the Justice Department to exact new punishments on people against whom he nurses old grudges appear to be ramping up.”

This choice of words alone can shape a reader’s perception before they’ve even examined the substance. When a reporter relies mainly on a colleague as the primary source, as this reporter did — especially one who holds the same perspective — the article becomes an echo chamber rather than balanced reporting. Good journalism, at its best, seeks out firsthand sources and opposing views to present readers with a fuller picture.

What concerns me isn’t just one article, but a pattern: quoting only those who agree with you, presenting speculation as fact, and labeling it “news.” That approach misleads the unsuspecting reader and stirs up anger, hatred and distrust. It also cheapens the craft of journalism itself. A single phone call to the Department of Justice for comment could have added depth and credibility to the story. But I ask, was their intention to publish news, or to rile you up? Because keeping you riled up sells newspapers.

I am also disturbed about the word “grudge,” used here as if complex legal disputes were nothing more than teenage rivalries. For years, President Trump has faced ongoing investigations, lawsuits, and constant public criticism. To reduce his actions to “nursing grudges” oversimplifies reality and assumes the reader is an idiot, or at best, relates it to a teenager's reactions when their best buddy steals his girlfriend. Grudges are empty. Getting justice is a different story altogether.

How would this reporter describe how she has treated the current administration? That is exacting punishment. You Ma'am, with your words, are the jury, judge and executioner, along with the leftist company you keep. One day, you may discover you are not qualified to serve in any of these roles, and you may find yourself held accountable for your rhetoric. The roles will be reversed. This isn't about Democrats and Republicans anymore. This is about fighting for truth and goodness, and the skirmish has morphed into a war.

I've read The New York Times mission statement to which you say you adhere. "Our mission as Times journalists is to seek the truth and help people understand the world. We do that work, in the words of Adolph S. Ochs, "without fear or favor." That's The New York Times motto. Well, you, and others like you are clearly 'fearlessly favoring' the left. This mission statement is an oxymoronic joke.

Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:1 remind us: (italics are mine)

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment, you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”

To me, that means that when we judge others harshly, it eventually circles back. What we're witnessing in the political arena now in real time, is the scales of justice being tipped in the opposite direction. Whether in politics, media, or our personal lives, God has a way of balancing the scales, and just how He does it may be a surprise, above our comprehension. I just know that He will allow it to be done. I said balance the scales; I did not say He'd throw a chunk of lead on the other side. He doesn't play favorites. Let's watch to see how He does it. In the meantime,

Proverbs 18:21 says,

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

Words can harm or heal. Articles like this, in my view, destroy public trust and even character. My encouragement to readers is to be discerning. Examine not only what is written but how it’s written, because the power of words runs deep. Each time you read a news article, pay close attention. Does the content itself incite you or did the attitude of the reporter cause you to side with them, right from the start? Facts have nothing to do with feelings, because feelings lie, and facts are the truth.

If what you read or see or hear causes only an emotional response, stop and think, for just a moment. Sometimes the only truth is that a reporter needs a following. And yes, I realize it appears I have just judged this reporter. But in these days and times, we have got to exercise discernment about truth and fact, and that's what I'm attempting to share here.

Thank you for reading! Please, please share this post. This blog exists to bring biblical clarity to the stories shaping our world. If you’ve been encouraged, share this post with someone who needs truth and hope today. Together, let’s stand firm in Christ – where faith meets the front page. These are my thoughts.