Judge Or Not To Judge, That’s the Question!

“Do not judge, so that you will not be judged.”        Matthew 7:1

I posted on social media three heretical teachings of Joyce Meyers. I rebutted those teachings with scripture. One of the comments asked, “Isn’t this judging.” My reply was, “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them”  (Eph. 5:11).

The individual’s comment about judging is a belief held by many within the Christian community. However, this verse does not imply that we should not judge other     believers. Paul wrote the Church in Corinth, “For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Are you not to judge those who are within the church?” ( 1 Cor 5:12). We are   to judge sin within the body of Christ in order to protect the body and restore a brother or sister in Christ.

There are wrong ways to judge. Below are five ways   judgment is wrong (source gotquestions.com).

Superficial judgment is wrong. Passing judgment on someone based solely on appearances is sinful (John 7:24). It is foolish to jump to conclusions before investigating the facts (Proverbs 18:13). Simon the Pharisee passed judgment on a woman based on her appearance and reputation, but he could not see that the woman had been forgiven; Simon thus drew Jesus’ rebuke for his unrighteous judgment   (Luke 7:36–50).

Hypocritical judgment is wrong. Jesus’ command not to judge others in Matthew 7:1 is preceded by comparisons to hypocrites (Matthew 6:2, 5, 16) and followed by a warning against hypocrisy (Matthew 7:3–5). When we point out the sin of others while we ourselves commit the same sin, we condemn ourselves (Romans 2:1).

Harsh, unforgiving judgment is wrong. We are “always to be gentle toward everyone” (Titus 3:2). It is the merciful who will be shown mercy (Matthew 5:7),    and, as Jesus warned, “In the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Matthew 7:2).

Self-righteous judgment is wrong. We are called to humility, and “God opposes the proud” (James 4:6).     In Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, the Pharisee was confident in his own righteousness and from that proud position judged the publican; however, God sees the heart and refused to forgive the Pharisee’s sin (Luke 18:9–14).

Untrue judgment is wrong. The Bible clearly forbids bearing false witness (Proverbs 19:5). “Slander no one” (Titus 3:2).

It is important to remember that you can never judge motives, but you can judge actions. However, it is important to remember the words of Jesus when He said, “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 “ (Matthew 7:5).

Your shepherd,

Pastor Mark