This is another word that comes from a member, and it is a big one. This world is full of people judging or shaming people. We should not be surprised when people outside the church judge people. But we, Christ followers and the church have the word of God which gives us clear guidance about judging. Nevertheless, we have been accused of being judgmental and probably often with just cause. Recently I heard that this was a problem in another religion.
Every member of this other religion is watched carefully as to what they do and even who they fellowship with. There is even the encouragement to “rat out” those who are see doing the wrong things, even if it is a family member. I have known Christian churches that are close to being judgmental in this way also. The topic of judging others is a significant theme in the Bible. It provides guidance emphasizing discernment, humility, and love.
Matthew 7.1-5 “Do not judge, or you will be judged. For with the same measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but fail to notice the beam in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while there is still a beam in your own eye? You hypocrite! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” This passage highlights humility, self-examination and repentance before pointing out the sin of others, which it does not prohibit. We are not to be hypocritical or self-righteous in our judging. This will also prevent us from being harsh in our critique.
John 7.24 “Stop judging by outward appearances and start judging justly.” Superficial judgements without investigating the full facts are wrong. In another passage we are reminded that we judge (wrongly) on appearance, but God judges the heart. (1 Samuel 16.7)
Romans 14.10-13 “Why, then, do you judge your brother? Or why do you belittle your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written: ‘As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will confess to God.’ So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.” Paul commands us to refrain from judging one another simply in areas of disagreement.
James 4.11-12 “Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. And if you judge the law, you are not a practitioner of the law, but a judge of it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?” Ultimate judgement belongs to God. We are allowed to discern if a person is following the word of God and if not, in love point this out. But we are never allowed to condemn, stating our belief about their eternal destiny.
In summary, the Bible presents the view that judging others is balancing the need for discernment with the call to love and humility. Believers are encouraged to exercise righteous judgment, which involves evaluating actions and behaviors according to biblical standards while maintaining a spirit of grace and compassion. This involves self-examination: regularly assessing one’s own life and motives before addressing the faults of others; discernment: seeking wisdom and understanding from God to judge rightly and fairly; love and compassion: prioritizing love in all interactions, aiming to build up rather than tear down; accountability: recognizing that ultimate judgment belongs to God and living in a way that honors Him.
In Christ Alone
Pastor Gary
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