Judging Others: How to Judge with Love, Justice, and Humility

Judge Not That You May Judge Well

As humans, we are naturally inclined to judge others. We judge people based on their appearance, their actions, and their beliefs. But as Christians, we are called to a higher standard. We are called to love one another and to refrain from judging others.

However, this does not mean that we should never judge anyone. In fact, the Bible teaches us that there are times when we should judge others. But how do we know when to judge and when not to judge? And how do we judge in a way that is loving and just?

What the Bible Says About Judging

Before we can answer these questions, we need to understand what the Bible says about judging. Jesus himself said, "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you" (Matthew 7:1-2). This statement is often quoted by those who believe that Christians should never judge anyone.

However, if we look at the rest of the passage, we see that Jesus is not saying we should never judge anyone. He goes on to say, "Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? 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 7:3-5).

Jesus is not saying that we should never judge others; he is saying that we should first examine ourselves and make sure that we are not guilty of the same sin. Once we have dealt with our own sin, we can then lovingly and justly help our brother or sister deal with their sin.

Paul also addresses the issue of judging in his letter to the Romans. He writes, "Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things" (Romans 2:1).

Again, Paul is not saying that we should never judge others; he is saying that we should be careful not to condemn others for the very same sins that we ourselves are guilty of. We must first examine ourselves and make sure we are not guilty of the same sin before we judge others.

What We Should Not Judge

So what are some things that we should not judge?

1. Motives

We cannot judge people's motives. Only God knows the heart of a person. The apostle Paul writes, "Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God" (1 Corinthians 4:5).

We may be able to see someone's actions, but we cannot judge their motives. We do not know what is in their heart and what led them to do what they did. Only God knows this.

2. Salvation

We cannot judge someone's salvation. Only God knows who is truly saved and who is not. The apostle Paul writes, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).

We cannot judge someone's salvation based on their actions or their beliefs. Only God knows who has truly put their faith in Jesus Christ.

3. Minor Issues

We should not judge people over minor issues. The apostle Paul writes, "Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way" (Romans 14:13 KJV).

Minor issues may include things like food preferences, clothing choices, and other non-essential matters. These issues should not be a cause for division among believers.

What We Should Judge

So what are some things that we should judge?

1. False Teaching

We should judge false teaching. The apostle Paul writes, "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed" (Galatians 1:8-9).

False teaching can be very dangerous, as it can lead people away from the truth of the gospel. We must be vigilant in guarding against false teaching and in correcting those who teach it.

2. Sin in the Church

We should judge sin in the church. The apostle Paul writes, "It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father's wife. And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you" (1 Corinthians 5:1-2).

When sin is present in the church, it can have a negative effect on the entire body. We must be willing to confront sin in a loving and just manner, for the sake of the individual and for the sake of the church as a whole.

How to Judge Well

So how do we judge in a way that is loving and just?

1. Examine Ourselves First

We must first examine ourselves and make sure we are not guilty of the same sin. Jesus said, "Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? 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 7:3-5).

We cannot effectively judge others if we are not willing to examine ourselves and deal with our own sin first.

2. Judge with Love

We must judge with love. The apostle Paul writes, "Let all that you do be done in love" (1 Corinthians 16:14).

When we judge others, we must do so with compassion and empathy. We must seek to understand the person and their situation, and we must approach them with a heart of love and kindness.

3. Judge with Justice

We must judge with justice. The apostle Paul writes, "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap" (Galatians 6:7).

When we judge others, we must do so in a way that is fair and just. We must seek to uphold the truth and to promote righteousness.

4. Judge with Humility

We must judge with humility. The apostle Paul writes, "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:4-7).

When we judge others, we must do so with a spirit of humility. We must remember that we are sinners saved by grace, and that we are no better than anyone else.

Conclusion

As Christians, we are called to love one another and to refrain from judging others. However, there are times when we must judge others. We must judge false teaching and sin in the church. But we must do so with love, justice, and humility. We must first examine ourselves and make sure we are not guilty of the same sin, and we must approach others with a heart of compassion and empathy. May we all seek to judge well, for the glory of God and the good of his people.