Don’t judge! That’s what we are told. People who know very little about the Bible know that to be true. But if we are to examine the Scriptures we might find that the Bible doesn’t exactly condemn judging. What it condemns is judging in the wrong way.
There is a matter of truth. It is interesting how truth is accepted in many places in life. 1+1=2. If I told you it equaled 5 you would tell me I am wrong. Your judgment would be that I was in error. We can all accept that.
But when it comes to truth in spiritual matters it seems there are different rules. To hold that there is one truth in spiritual matters isn’t popular. It is considered intolerant.
It is only human to make judgments. The reality is every person makes judgments. We make judgments about little things and big things. We make judgments about other people. Even the person accusing you of being judgmental is makeing a judgment about your practice of tolerance.
We must make assessments about what is true or not. If you say you don’t judge, then how do you ever make any decisions in life? Sometimes our judgment will rub against what someone else assesses to be true.
As we consider these things here are some thoughts on making judgements:
Use Humilty in Judgments
When it comes to judging sin, one of the most cited portion of Scripture is Matthew 7:1–6 where Jesus talks about recognizing the speck in your brother’s eye but not noticing the log in your own eye. Jesus does not say to ignore the speck. He doesn’t say to overlook it. He just says that before you point out the speck, make sure you got the garbage cleaned out in your own life. The same measure you use to judge others will be used towards you. If you expect others to practice humility and grace towards you, make sure to practice humility and grace towards others.
Speak the Truth in Love
In another story we hear about the woman caught in adultery (see John 8:1–11). The people are about to stone her to death, but Jesus stops them in their tracks. He says, “let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” Slowly everyone walks away until Jesus is left alone with this woman.
Jesus then says, “go and sin no more.” He tells her to change. Don’t live that way anymore. Align your life with God’s purposes. He told her this because he loved her.
Don’t Judge non-Christian People According to Christian Standards
Jesus was not always “Nice Jesus.” There were times when he spoke harsh words. But the harsh words he spoke were often to the people least expected. The harshest words were reserved for religious people. It was because more was expected of them. When it came to the prostitutes and tax-collectors, Jesus took a very different tone.
Christians should be careful to judge non-Christian people according to Christian standards. In the early church the Roman Empire was filled with corruption, barbarianism, and sexual immorality. But you are hard pressed to find much in the New Testament on making judgments on the secular world. The focus is on judging those who had committed themselves to Christ. There was an expectation for them to live a goldly life and not back-slide into their former lives. The calling is for them to cling to Christ and leave behind the deeds of darkness.
We should not expect Uncle Jim to live for Christ if Christ is not the the Lord of his life. It’s difficult to put Christian morals and values on someone who does not share the same worldview.
Why Judge?
The importance of judging is for restoration. It is the truth that sets us free. People live in bondage to the lies of Satan. Jesus would have done a disservice to the woman caught in adultery if he had not confronted her sin. She might very well have gone back to that life, but Jesus knew skirting around the truth was not going to get her out of the bondage she was in.
The truth is we are not very good in how we make judgements. There has been great pain caused in our lives and the lives of others becuse of not seeking the wisdom of God in the judgments we make. There are times where we speak up about things that don’t really matter and cause great tension in a relationship. There are other times were we let big things slide without mentioning anything, which in the long run will do more harm.
It is important that we judge because if we stand for everything, we will ultimately stand for nothing. Separate the chaff from the wheat, but do so with grace and humility.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to judge?
- Do you think we are called to judge?
- What do you find helpful to speak the truth in love?
- Share your comments.
Cindy Kelley says
I believe that we also need to prudent when we make a judgement decision regarding a specific behavior and not also judge the person. Christ told us repeatedly to love people. And, we are also told that it is the work of the Holy Spirit that brings about change in a person….not our judgement and criticism. There are some behaviors that are very clearly engaged in purely by choice. Some, in my opinion, are not so clear. But I know that God is in control in all of it and that my charge is to love people. I am happy to respectfully share my faith but I will not engage in hate tactics. With all my heart I do not believe that Christ would want that from me. Once I alienate a person, there is no way to begin to share God with him or her. Being a loving example of Christ’s love is the more important issue to me.
stefini200 says
making a statement about someone or something has nothing to do with loving or not loving….
Annie says
If you’re acting like Christ you are acting in a loving way. Making a statement about someone or something is not always a loving (or necessary, or useful).
Annie says
“Christians should be careful (?) to judge non-Christian people according to Christian standards”…..
Do you mean to add the not? Not judging, not clarifying 🙂 I assume yes, otherwise I’m confused.
dominique bovard says
I really value what what was said about judging; it clarifies some areas in my thinking. I wanted to add that I really like when it is said” christians should not judge non-christians people according to non-christians standards” because ,in my view, too many christians demonstrate in the streets sometimes, condemning people, although Saint Paul said : do not judge the world. for me that attitide put a lot of people off the Church. I want also to add that it is sometimes used by politicians who are using christianity as a mask to manipulate christians for their own ends