Judge not lest ye be judged

To judge or not to judge - that is the question

I think many Christians do not know where the line is when it comes to using discernment or even judging others or their actions. Right now, we are in a time of “political correctness” where TOLERANCE is forced on all of society. There are many outside the church who use the weak defense accusing us of judging others anytime we say something is immoral or wrong as the bible tells us to. We are supposed to discern between right and wrong. For Christians, there are things we are supposed to judge and things we are not. Every non-Christian I discuss controversial topics with and even some Christians are quick to bring up Matthew 7:1 which states, “Judge not lest ye be judged.” People that have never even cracked open the bible will quote this to you, not knowing what it really means. They don't even know where to find the verse in the Bible. Usually that verse is used like a stop sign to immediately halt any discussion about the rightness or wrongness of a persons behavior. This misunderstood verse is shouted out in heated conversations, "Don't you judge me!!" 

So let me get this right, according to that logic, it is wrong for me to say that it's wrong to commit murder, lie to your mom, or cheat on a test at school?  Oh no, you say, "that stuff is OK, You just can't say abortion or gay marriage is wrong because that's judgmental." This bible verse in Matthew 7 does not mean that we should not judge behavior as sin; it is nothing more than a caution to make sure that we are willing to be judged by the same standard of judgment we judge others with. So, if I say it is wrong to steal, I am accountable and will be judged by God for stealing. Matthew 7:1 is actually giving us an education on how we are supposed to judge righteously.  It isn't teaching us that we are not supposed to judge others. Don't be afraid the next time someone tries to cork your mouth shut throwing a verse around that they don't even understand. Be an educated Christian, not a neutralized Christian! The bible talks about judging and discernment in many places and to draw a conclusion to a biblical doctrine, one must read all the bible verses on the topic. It is equally important to properly study the context of the verse you are interpreting. For example, Matthew 7:1, perhaps the most misunderstood verse in the bible, is easily understood when you read the entire context of the verse. Pharisaic judging is the problem Jesus was addressing. Pharisees were attacking and accusing Him of being inadequate. Jesus was not the king they were expecting. So, Jesus warned them in Matthew 7:1 against hypocritical judging. It is very important to understand that we are not to judge other people condemningly, but we are to judge people and their behavior.  Let’s apply this to a controversial topic to see how it works. If I said, “you’re going to hell because you are gay.” That would be condemning and judging in a biblically prohibited manner. If I said, “being gay is an immoral lifestyle,” I am not being judgmental in a condemning manner at all, and thus I fall within the lines of what is biblically mandated of all Christians. That is, to judge righteously. 

First, make sure you are right with the Lord 

So, verses 1 and 2 of Matthew chapter 7 teach us that we with what measure we judge others, we will be judged with the same measure. Now, verses 3, 4, and 5 says, “And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”  From verses 3-5, Jesus explains that before we go telling other people what is wrong in their lives, make sure you have thoroughly examined your own life and that you are not just as guilty as them of the same sin. But it is important to notice here that Jesus didn’t say, take the log out of your own eye and ignore the speck in your brother’s eye. No, he said first get yourself spiritually right with God, then help others do the same. I believe it is very important here that we judge others with the right heart. Condemning is the wrong heart. We need to judge in the spirit of correcting others as a form of helping them because you love them. It is not something you do in anger or revenge.

Basic Conclusion

Oftentimes, we are blinded by our own sins. We can’t even recognize the sin in our lives and we need a brother or sister in the Lord to come along side of us and lovingly correct us.  An example of this would be overhearing a sister at church talking negatively about someone else behind their back. You may be the right person to speak up and remind that sister that the Bible teaches us we shouldn’t gossip. It is not judging that person in a condemning manner to teach them or remind them what scripture says.  In the same manner, it is not wrong to remind people what the Bible teaches about things such as a homosexual lifestyle when discussing social/political topics such as same-sex marriages laws. It would be wrong to tell someone they are a terrible person and going to hell for voting for same-sex marriage. It is not wrong to say abortion is immoral.  It is wrong to tell a woman who has an abortion that she is evil and terrible for having an abortion. We don’t punish people with our words when we judge, or we do so condemningly.  

For those whom are interested in a more advanced topical study

Krino – separate, choose, select, the act of condemning and decreeing. This word Krino is the word used in Mt 7:1 judge not lest ye be judged and is also used other places in the NT. This means it is God alone who condemns other people. We are not to condemn others. This does not mean that we do not judge their behavior. It is wrong to lie. If I said, “You’re a liar and you are going to hell for your lies…that is casting condemnation upon someone in the way the bible warns us not to. If I said that lying is wrong and that is something we should not do as Christians, then there is absolutely nothing wrong with that! The bible is explicitly clear that judging others is reserved for the one and only righteous God. That does not mean it is wrong for me to say that fornication, foolish talking, or any other sins in the bible are wrong behavior because the doctrine in the bible is very clear on these topics. Over and over in the bible we are taught what is right and wrong and how to make judgments about what is right and what is wrong. 

Romans 14 is one of my favorite chapters in the bible and contains verses that I used on my parents as a teenager when I disagreed with something they told me I couldn't do because it was wrong. Romans 14 says, “Accept Christians who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. For instance, one person believes it is all right to eat anything. But another believer who has a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. Those who think it is all right to eat anything must not look down on those who won’t. And those who won’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them. Who are you to condemn God’s servants? They are responsible to the Lord, so let Him tell them whether they are right or wrong. The Lord’s power will help them do as they should.” This is in reference to how we are required to treat other Christians. So, it does  not apply to the general population, rather to the Christian population. I used this when my parents told me that I shouldn't listen to a certain type of music, watch rated R movies, or something else along those lines as a teenage boy.

So then, what is the Christian supposed to do when it comes to judging, discerning, proving things, etc? We are to be watchful, wise, cautious and intelligent about things. These are the things that we are to discern. Discernment is not an option. It is biblically mandated and necessary. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 "Prove all things; hold to the things found to be good. We are commanded to examine things and to hold to what has passed the test." How many things? ALL THINGS! Philippians 1:9-10 says, “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.” 1Timothy 4 says, “Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.” So the key here is that we are to be watchful and attentive so that we will recognize the ones who spread false doctrines of the devil to attack Christians. Matthew 7:15 “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” So apparently, God wants Christians to be on high alert, which means we first need to make a judgment about all things whether they are right/wrong or good/evil. 

1Timothy 1:3-4 "As I asked you to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that you might charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which only cause endless questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.” This means that if we detect doctrinal errors, we should tell the person not to live their lives according to that bad doctrine. If it is in contrast to scriptures, it is a bad doctrine. Many hot topics today face society that are doctrines in contrast to the teachings of the bible. We are to be watchful and help other Christians when they have a poor understanding of God’s doctrine on the subject by telling them lovingly.

1 John 2:4-6 says, “If someone says, “I belong to God,” but doesn't obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and does not live in the truth. But those who obey God’s word really do love him. That is the way to know whether or not we live in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Christ did.” HMMMMM…SOUNDS PRETTY JUDGMENTAL TO ME! 

Final Conclusion

Christians are supposed to judge many things; this only means that we are free to evaluate, correct, and restore.  WE ARE NOT TO CONDEMN! 1 John 2:22-23 says, “And who is the great liar? The one who says that Jesus is not the Christ. Such people are antichrists, for they have denied the Father and the Son. Anyone who denies the Son doesn't have the Father either. But anyone who confesses the Son has the Father also." The apostle John here tells us that we need to watch out for the liars. The point of judging is to correct and restore, not condemn. God hates all sin, not just liars, homosexuality, divorce, sex outside of marriage, unrighteous anger, hatred or malice…BUT ALL SIN! As Christians, we are called to love God first, and our neighbor second. Love is not hate. Judging is not hate. Judging is biblical as I have pointed out. Judging is actually very loving when it is not condemning.

Again, judging should not be condemning unless you are God almighty!  We must be careful we don’t condemn with our words. Condemning with our words can be as easy as telling someone they are a bad person because of ______ whatever sin you are discussing. Righteous judging can be as easy as lovingly reminding someone of what the scripture declares about a certain sin a brother or sister is involved in.  Righteous judgment is done in the spirit of bringing glory to God as opposed to putting someone down for their mistakes.

Ephesians 5:3-7 says, “But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them.” God expects His people to be a light in a dark world. In order to be a light, you must make judgments about what is morally right and morally wrong so that you may live your life accordingly and disciple others to live their lives in a manner that brings glory to God. So, again, we are supposed to judge, but we are not allowed to condemn! Condemnation is reserved for God alone. Hope this helps others as it has helped me to know the biblical boundaries of making judgments! Blessings!