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The article “Christians—Who Are You to Judge Others?” delves into the Biblical perspectives on judging others. Unpacking Matthew 7:1 and other relevant Scriptures, the article offers guidance on how Christians can judge righteously while avoiding the pitfalls of condemnatory judgment. Learn to navigate moral judgments in the light of Scriptural wisdom.

Introduction: The Dilemma of Judging

One of the most widely cited passages from the Bible in contemporary society is Matthew 7:1: “Do not judge, so that you won’t be judged.” This verse has been misconstrued to suggest that making any form of moral judgment about someone’s action or lifestyle is itself wrong. Yet, the Bible itself contains many instances of moral judgments, both by humans and by Jehovah. So, where does that leave us? Is it ever appropriate to judge, and if so, how should we go about it?

“Stop Judging”—Understanding Matthew 7:1,2

When Jesus said, “Stop judging,” he was speaking to an audience prone to criticism. We are all imperfect and tend to judge others more harshly than we judge ourselves. However, it’s important to note the context in which Jesus spoke these words. Jesus’ aim wasn’t to prohibit all kinds of judgment but to warn against a specific kind of judgment: condemnatory judgment. Condemnatory judgment assumes moral or spiritual superiority, often without considering one’s own imperfections or the complexities of someone else’s situation.

Jehovah’s Example: Seeing the Good in Others

When struggling with the tendency to judge, it is beneficial to consider Jehovah’s interactions with people in the Scriptures. Take the example of King David, a man who committed serious sins, including adultery and murder. Yet, Jehovah chose to focus on David’s repentant heart and his overall faithfulness. Jehovah saw David’s potential for good despite his imperfections. If Jehovah can look beyond the flaws to see the good in someone as deeply flawed as David, shouldn’t we also strive to do the same with the people around us?

Empathy Over Judgment: Considering Others’ Circumstances

Before passing judgment, it is valuable to consider the circumstances of the individual in question. Jesus himself demonstrated this when he observed a poor widow donating two small coins in the temple. Instead of criticizing the amount, Jesus considered her situation and intent, praising her for giving all she could. Empathy replaces judgment when we step into another person’s shoes and try to understand their situation.

Recognizing the Right and Wrong Kinds of Judgment

Judgment isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. We need to differentiate between the wrong kind of judgment, which condemns, and the right kind, which evaluates actions or attitudes with humility and concern. As Paul highlights, sometimes judgment—even excommunication—is required when confronting blatant sin within the church (1 Corinthians 5:5). The key is to approach judgment with a spirit of humility, recognizing our own imperfections and the grace of God that covers us. Jesus himself advises us to first remove the log from our own eye before helping our brother remove the speck from his (Matthew 7:5).

Judging Righteously: Striking a Balance

Jesus commanded, “Stop judging according to outward appearances; rather judge according to righteous judgment” (John 7:24). The Scriptures clearly demonstrate that not all judgment is forbidden; rather, we are called to judge righteously. This involves evaluating moral or doctrinal issues while maintaining a humble, helpful attitude. In other words, it’s not about thinking less of yourself; it’s about thinking of yourself less while prioritizing the spiritual and moral well-being of others.

Conclusion: Learning to Stop Judging

So, the next time you find yourself judging someone, consider your own imperfections, think of Jehovah’s grace, and focus on the individual’s good qualities and circumstances. Your objective should be to build up, not tear down. This aligns with the ultimate commandment of loving our brothers and sisters, as stated in James 2:8. By striving for righteous judgment, you follow in the footsteps of Jehovah and Jesus, showing grace, understanding, and, above all, love. In this way, you heed the command to stop the wrong kind of judging while fulfilling the Scriptural mandate to evaluate actions and attitudes with a spirit of humility and concern.

So, who are you to judge? You are a flawed individual, saved by grace, called to build up others in love. When it comes to judgment, the question is not whether you will judge but how you will do so. Choose to judge righteously, with humility and love, just as Jehovah and Jesus have shown us.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).