Judging others is a topic that deeply resonates with many Christians, as it touches upon the core of our interactions and relationships with one another. The Bible provides profound insights into this issue, offering both caution and guidance on the matter.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus famously warns against judging others. In Matthew 7:1-2, He states, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." This passage underscores the principle that judgment is reciprocal; how we judge others will be the standard by which we ourselves are judged. The underlying message here is a call to humility and self-awareness. Jesus is urging us to recognize our own imperfections before we point out the flaws in others.
The context of this teaching is crucial. Jesus continues in Matthew 7:3-5, "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye." Here, Jesus is not forbidding all forms of judgment but is condemning hypocritical and self-righteous judgment. He emphasizes the importance of self-examination and repentance before we concern ourselves with the faults of others.
The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of judgment in his letters. In Romans 2:1-3, he writes, "You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment?" Paul’s message aligns with Jesus’ teaching, highlighting the danger of judging others while being guilty of the same sins. It is a call to recognize our own sinfulness and to rely on God’s grace and mercy.
However, the Bible does not entirely prohibit judgment. In fact, there are instances where discernment and judgment are necessary. For example, in 1 Corinthians 5:12-13, Paul writes, "What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. 'Expel the wicked person from among you.'" Paul is instructing the Corinthian church to exercise judgment within the community of believers to maintain purity and holiness. This type of judgment is not about condemning individuals but about holding one another accountable to the standards of Christian living.
Similarly, in Galatians 6:1, Paul advises, "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted." Here, the emphasis is on restoration and gentleness, not harsh judgment or condemnation. The goal is to help the person return to a righteous path while being mindful of our own vulnerabilities.
The key to understanding biblical judgment lies in the distinction between condemning judgment and righteous discernment. Condemning judgment is characterized by a self-righteous attitude, a lack of compassion, and a failure to acknowledge our own faults. This type of judgment is what Jesus and Paul warn against. On the other hand, righteous discernment involves humility, love, and a desire for the spiritual well-being of others. It is exercised within the context of a loving and supportive Christian community.
One of the most compelling examples of righteous discernment can be found in the story of the woman caught in adultery in John 8:1-11. The Pharisees bring the woman to Jesus, seeking to trap Him by asking whether she should be stoned according to the Law of Moses. Jesus responds, "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." This response highlights the importance of self-reflection and the recognition of our own sinfulness before passing judgment on others. After the accusers leave, Jesus tells the woman, "Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin." Jesus does not condone her sin but offers her grace and a call to repentance. This story beautifully illustrates the balance between truth and grace, judgment and mercy.
In Christian literature, C.S. Lewis provides valuable insights into the issue of judgment in his book "Mere Christianity." Lewis writes, "There is someone I love, even though I don't approve of what he does. There is someone I accept, though some of his thoughts and actions revolt me. There is someone I forgive, though he hurts the people I love the most. That person is...me." Lewis’ reflection reminds us that we are often quick to judge others while being lenient with ourselves. It is a call to extend the same grace and understanding to others that we desire for ourselves.
The Bible calls us to a higher standard of love and humility in our interactions with others. In James 4:11-12, we are reminded, "Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?" This passage emphasizes that ultimate judgment belongs to God alone. Our role is not to usurp God’s authority but to live in obedience to His commandments, which include loving our neighbors as ourselves.
In conclusion, the Bible teaches that it is a sin to judge others in a hypocritical, self-righteous, and condemning manner. Such judgment is contrary to the spirit of humility, love, and grace that God calls us to embody. However, there is a place for righteous discernment within the Christian community, which is exercised with humility, love, and a desire for restoration. We are called to examine our own hearts, recognize our own sinfulness, and extend the same grace and mercy to others that we have received from God. In doing so, we reflect the character of Christ and build a community that honors Him.
