Judgment of Swine, Mercy of Brethren

You may be familiar with the common interpretation of Matthew 7: 6. Indeed, scripture does refer to unclean, evil sinners as dogs and swine. The believer is to bear witness of Christ to all who will listen. At the same time we are to use wisdom to discern when it is of no use to give that which is holy to those who despise and reject the holy pearls of our gospel. But have you ever considered the Master's words in verse 6 as a proverbial saying which describes what we are doing if we exalt ourselves over our brethren in judgment, as the preceding verses warn brethren not to do? It is applicable to take each of these passages separately but in this message, we connect verse 6 with the preceding verses and the verses following, comparing this teaching with that in the epistle of James. May the Lord give us grace to consider these things in light of the great mercy God has shown his elect in Christ Jesus. (For further comparison read Luke 6: 36-45.)