What Does the Bible Really Say About Judging Others?

What does the Bible say about judging others?

This is a question that touches the very heart of how we are called to live as followers of Christ. The Bible offers us guidance on judgment that may seem, at first glance, to be contradictory. On one hand, we have Jesus’ clear words in Matthew 7:1-2: “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.” (Rosenblith, 2010, p. 17)

These words caution us against harsh judgment of others, reminding us of our own imperfections and need for mercy. They call us to approach others with humility and compassion, recognizing that we all fall short of God’s glory.

Yet the Bible also speaks of the importance of discernment and righteous judgment. In John 7:24, Jesus tells us, “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” And in 1 Corinthians 5:12-13, Paul writes about judging those within the church who are engaging in serious sin.

So how do we reconcile these teachings? I believe the key lies in understanding the different types of judgment the Bible addresses. When Scripture warns against judging, it is cautioning us against a spirit of condemnation, self-righteousness, and hypocrisy. It reminds us that ultimate judgment belongs to God alone.

But when the Bible speaks of righteous judgment or discernment, it is calling us to exercise wisdom, to distinguish between right and wrong, and to lovingly guide one another toward holiness. This type of judgment comes from a place of love and a desire to build up the body of Christ.

In all cases, we are called to approach judgment with great humility, aware of our own shortcomings and need for God’s grace. We must examine our own hearts and motives, ensuring that any judgment we exercise comes from a place of love and a sincere desire to help, not harm.

How can we reconcile Jesus’ command “Do not judge” with other biblical passages that seem to encourage discernment?

This apparent contradiction in Scripture invites us to delve deeper into the heart of Christ’s teachings. When Jesus commands us not to judge in Matthew 7:1, He is not calling us to abandon all discernment or to turn a blind eye to sin. Rather, He is warning us against a particular kind of judgment – one that is harsh, hypocritical, and lacking in mercy.

To understand this better, let us look at the context of Jesus’ words. Immediately after saying “Do not judge,” He goes on to speak about removing the plank from our own eye before attempting to remove the speck from our brother’s eye. This teaches us that self-examination and humility must precede any attempt to correct others.

At the same time, other passages in Scripture clearly call us to exercise discernment. In 1 Thessalonians 5:21, we are instructed to “test everything; hold fast what is good.” And in Philippians 1:9-10, Paul prays that our love may “abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best.”

So how do we reconcile these teachings? I believe the key lies in understanding the difference between judgmental condemnation and loving discernment. The judgment Jesus warns against is that which seeks to condemn or elevate ourselves above others. It is a judgment that fails to recognize our own sinfulness and need for grace.

Loving discernment, on the other hand, comes from a place of humility and a sincere desire to help our brothers and sisters grow in holiness. It recognizes that we are all on a journey of faith, all in need of God’s mercy and grace. This kind of discernment seeks to build up, not tear down.

We must remember that ultimate judgment belongs to God alone. Our role is not to determine the eternal destiny of others, but to lovingly guide one another toward Christ. As James 4:12 reminds us, “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?”

In practicing discernment, we must always be guided by love. 1 Corinthians 13:7 tells us that love “always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” When we approach others with this kind of love, our discernment becomes a tool for healing and growth, not condemnation.

What is the difference between righteous judgment and self-righteous condemnation?

This question touches upon a crucial distinction that we must understand if we are to live out our faith with authenticity and love. Righteous judgment and self-righteous condemnation may sometimes appear similar on the surface, but they spring from very different places in the heart and lead to vastly different outcomes.

Righteous judgment, as exemplified by Christ, comes from a place of love, humility, and a genuine desire to help others grow closer to God. It is rooted in discernment and wisdom, always seeking to understand before being understood. This kind of judgment recognizes our own imperfections and need for grace, approaching others with compassion and empathy.

When we exercise righteous judgment, we do so with the awareness that we too are sinners in need of God’s mercy. We approach others not as superiors, but as fellow travelers on the path of faith. Our goal is not to condemn, but to gently guide and support one another in our shared journey towards holiness.

Self-righteous condemnation, on the other hand, often stems from pride, fear, or a desire to elevate ourselves by putting others down. It lacks empathy and fails to recognize our own shortcomings. This type of judgment is quick to point out the faults in others while remaining blind to our own sins. It is the judgment Jesus warns against when He speaks of trying to remove a speck from our brother’s eye while ignoring the plank in our own (Matthew 7:3-5).

The key difference lies in the fruit that each produces. Righteous judgment, when exercised with love and humility, leads to growth, healing, and reconciliation. It builds up the body of Christ and draws people closer to God. Self-righteous condemnation, But often results in division, hurt, and pushing people away from faith.

We see this distinction clearly in the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). The Pharisees approached Jesus with self-righteous condemnation, seeking to trap Him and stone the woman. Jesus, in contrast, exercised righteous judgment. He did not condone the woman’s sin, but neither did He condemn her. Instead, He offered her mercy and a path to transformation: “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate this approach. We must be willing to speak truth, but always in love and with great humility. We must remember that our role is not to condemn, but to point others towards the transformative love and grace of God.

How can Christians practice discernment without being judgmental?

This question strikes at the heart of how we are called to live out our faith in community. Practicing discernment while avoiding judgmentalism is a delicate balance, but one that is crucial for our spiritual growth and for building up the body of Christ.

We must root our discernment in love. As Saint Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13:2, “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” Love must be the foundation and motivation for all our actions, including our discernment.

When we approach discernment from a place of love, we are more likely to seek understanding rather than rushing to judgment. We become curious about the circumstances and struggles of others, recognizing that we rarely have the full picture of someone’s life or motivations.

We must cultivate humility. True discernment recognizes that we are all imperfect beings, constantly in need of God’s grace. As we seek to discern right from wrong in the actions of others, we must always be willing to turn that discerning eye upon ourselves first. This self-examination helps us approach others with empathy and compassion, rather than condemnation.

Another key aspect is to focus on behaviors and ideas rather than making sweeping judgments about a person’s character or worth. When we observe something that concerns us, we can address the specific action or belief without condemning the individual as a whole. This approach leaves room for growth and change, recognizing that we are all on a journey of faith.

It’s also crucial to remember that discernment is not about determining someone’s ultimate spiritual state or worthiness before God. That judgment belongs to God alone. Our role is to lovingly guide one another towards truth and holiness, always with the understanding that we see only in part (1 Corinthians 13:12).

We must be willing to engage in dialogue and listen actively. True discernment involves seeking to understand different perspectives and being open to the possibility that our initial impressions may be incomplete or incorrect. This requires patience, empathy, and a willingness to sit with discomfort and uncertainty.

Lastly, we should always couple our discernment with an offer of support and encouragement. If we discern that a brother or sister is struggling or has strayed from the path, our response should be one of love and a desire to help, not condemnation or exclusion.

What role does self-examination play before judging others?

Self-examination is not merely a preliminary step in the process of judging others – it is the very foundation upon which any righteous discernment must be built. As our Lord Jesus Christ so poignantly taught us, “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?” (Matthew 7:3)

This teaching invites us to a powerful and often challenging journey of self-reflection before we even consider addressing the faults of others. It is a call to humility, to recognize our own brokenness and need for God’s grace. For how can we presume to guide others if we have not first allowed the light of Christ to illuminate the dark corners of our own hearts?

Self-examination serves several crucial purposes in this context. it reminds us of our own imperfections and shortcomings. When we take an honest look at ourselves, we are confronted with the reality of our own sins and weaknesses. This awareness should foster in us a spirit of humility and compassion towards others, for we recognize that we too are in constant need of God’s mercy and forgiveness.

Self-examination helps us to identify and confront our own biases and prejudices. Often, the judgments we make about others are colored by our own experiences, fears, and unresolved issues. By examining our hearts, we can begin to recognize these influences and strive to approach others with greater objectivity and fairness.

The practice of self-examination cultivates in us a spirit of empathy. As we confront our own struggles and temptations, we become more attuned to the challenges that others may be facing. This empathy allows us to approach others not as judges, but as fellow pilgrims on the journey of faith, offering support and understanding rather than condemnation.

Self-examination also helps us to ensure that our motivations for addressing others’ faults are pure. Are we truly seeking to help and build up our brother or sister in Christ? Or are we perhaps driven by a desire to feel superior, to gossip, or to deflect attention from our own shortcomings? Honest self-reflection can help us to purify our intentions and approach others with genuine love and concern.

Finally, regular self-examination keeps us grounded in the reality of our own ongoing need for growth and transformation. It reminds us that we are all works in progress, constantly in need of God’s grace to become more like Christ. This awareness fosters a spirit of patience and grace towards others, recognizing that just as God is patient with us in our journey of sanctification, so too should we be patient with others.

Let us embrace the challenging but transformative practice of self-examination. Let it be for us a daily exercise, a constant turning of our hearts towards the light of Christ, allowing Him to reveal to us both our weaknesses and the immeasurable depth of His love and grace. For it is only when we have truly confronted ourselves in the light of God’s truth that we can hope to offer genuine, loving guidance to others.

May we always approach both ourselves and others with the humility, compassion, and love that reflect the heart of our Savior. For in doing so, we not only grow in our own faith but also become instruments of God’s grace in the lives of those around us.

How should Christians approach judging fellow believers versus non-believers?

When it comes to the delicate matter of judgment, we must approach both believers and non-believers with great care, compassion, and humility. For we are all God’s children, created in His image, and worthy of dignity and respect.

With fellow believers, we are called to a spirit of fraternal correction, rooted in love and concern for their spiritual wellbeing. As St. Paul reminds us, “If anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness” (Galatians 6:1). Our goal should be to lovingly guide our brothers and sisters back to the path of righteousness, not to condemn or ostracize them.

We must remember that we too are sinners in need of God’s grace. Let us remove the plank from our own eye before attempting to remove the speck from our brother’s eye (Matthew 7:3-5). When we approach fellow believers, let it be with humility, recognizing our shared journey of faith and our common need for God’s mercy.

With non-believers, we must be even more cautious in our judgments. For they may not share our understanding of sin or our commitment to Christian values. Instead of harsh judgment, let us approach them with openness, respect, and a genuine desire to understand their perspective. Our role is not to condemn, but to be living witnesses of God’s love and to invite others to experience His grace.

As I have often said, the Church is not a customs office, checking people’s sins at the door. Rather, it is a field hospital, offering healing and hope to all who are wounded. Let us extend this spirit of welcome and mercy to believers and non-believers alike, trusting that God’s love can touch and transform all hearts.(Metzger, 2014, pp. 19–46; Szebeni et al., 2023)

What are the dangers of judging others incorrectly or harshly?

When we judge others harshly or incorrectly, we risk causing great harm – not only to those we judge, but to ourselves and to the witness of the Church. Let us consider these dangers with care and humility.

Harsh judgment can push people away from God and the Church. When we condemn others without mercy, we present a distorted image of our loving Father. We may cause those struggling with sin to despair of God’s forgiveness, or lead non-believers to view Christianity as judgmental and unwelcoming. As I have often said, the Church must be a place of mercy, not of condemnation.

Incorrect judgments can deeply wound others and damage relationships. We may misjudge someone’s motives or misunderstand their circumstances, causing unwarranted pain and division. This is especially dangerous when we judge based on appearances or rumors, without seeking to understand the full truth of a situation.

A habit of harsh judgment hardens our own hearts. It can lead to pride, self-righteousness, and a lack of compassion. We may begin to see ourselves as superior to others, forgetting our own need for God’s mercy. As Jesus warned, “For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged” (Matthew 7:2).

Focusing on judging others can distract us from examining our own lives and addressing our own sins. It is far easier to point out the faults of others than to confront our own shortcomings. Yet Christ calls us first to “remove the log from your own eye” (Matthew 7:5).

Finally, harsh judgment can create a culture of fear and suspicion within Christian communities. When people feel constantly scrutinized and condemned, they may hide their struggles rather than seeking help and support. This prevents authentic fellowship and hinders spiritual growth.

How can we judge actions and behaviors rather than a person’s heart or motives?

When it comes to evaluating the actions and behaviors of others, we must proceed with great caution and humility. For only God can truly know the depths of a person’s heart and the fullness of their motives. As I have often said, “Who am I to judge?”

But there are times when we must discern whether certain actions align with Gospel values and the teachings of the Church. In these moments, let us focus on the observable behaviors and their consequences, rather than presuming to know the hidden intentions of another’s heart.

We must strive to be objective in our observations. Look at the facts of what has occurred, without immediately jumping to conclusions about why it happened. Consider the context and circumstances surrounding the action. Are there factors we may not be aware of that could influence the behavior?

We should evaluate actions based on their fruits. Jesus taught us, “You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16). Does the behavior in question bring about good or harm? Does it promote love, justice, and mercy, or does it lead to division, hurt, and injustice? By focusing on the outcomes of actions, we can better discern their alignment with Christian values.

We must always leave room for growth and conversion. Even if we observe behavior that seems contrary to Christian teaching, we should not assume this reflects a person’s permanent state or ultimate destiny. People can and do change, often in ways that surprise us. Our role is to encourage positive change, not to define others by their past mistakes.

When we must address problematic behavior, let us do so with gentleness and respect. Speak to the specific actions or words that are of concern, without making sweeping judgments about the person’s character or salvation. Offer guidance and support for making better choices in the future.

Finally, let us always remember our own imperfections and need for God’s grace. As we consider the actions of others, may we also examine our own lives with honesty and humility. Are we living up to the standards we expect of others? Are we extending the same mercy to others that we hope to receive from God?

In all things, let us be guided by love – love for God, love for our neighbor, and love for the truth. May we create communities where people feel safe to grow, learn from mistakes, and journey together towards holiness.(Ridha, 2023; Yiu-Suen & Chan, 2020, pp. 1036–1047)

What is the proper way to lovingly confront sin in others?

Confronting sin in others is a delicate task that requires great wisdom, compassion, and humility. We must approach this responsibility not with a spirit of condemnation, but with a genuine desire for healing and reconciliation. Let us consider how we can lovingly address sin while always respecting the dignity of the person before us.

We must pray. Before confronting anyone, let us turn to God in prayer, asking for guidance, wisdom, and a spirit of gentleness. We should also pray for the person we are concerned about, that their heart may be open to God’s grace and truth.

We must examine our own motives and conduct. Are we truly acting out of love and concern, or are we motivated by anger, frustration, or a desire to prove ourselves right? As Jesus taught, we must first remove the plank from our own eye before attempting to remove the speck from our brother’s eye (Matthew 7:5).

We should approach the person privately and respectfully. Public confrontation or gossip about someone’s sins only leads to shame and division. Instead, speak to the person one-on-one in a spirit of confidentiality and care. Choose a time and place where they will feel comfortable and not defensive.

Begin the conversation with affirmation and love. Remind the person of their inherent dignity as a child of God and of the positive qualities you see in them. This helps create an atmosphere of trust and openness.

Speak the truth in love. Address the specific behavior or action that is of concern, explaining why it is problematic from a Christian perspective. Use “I” statements to express your concerns without accusation. For example, “I’m worried about how this behavior might be affecting your relationship with God and others.”

Listen with an open heart. Give the person an opportunity to share their perspective and feelings. There may be circumstances or struggles you were unaware of. Listen without judgment, seeking to understand their experience.

Offer support and resources for change. If the person acknowledges the need for change, be ready to offer practical help, spiritual guidance, or referrals to appropriate resources. Assure them of your ongoing support and prayers.

Finally, entrust the situation to God’s mercy. true change of heart comes through God’s grace. Our role is to speak the truth in love, but we cannot force another person to change. Continue to pray for the person and be a loving presence in their life.

Remember, that the goal of confronting sin is always restoration and healing, not punishment or shame. May we approach this task with the tender heart of the Good Shepherd, who leaves the ninety-nine to seek out the one lost sheep (Luke 15:3-7).(Rogers et al., 2016, pp. 628–634; Sneddon, 2021)

How can Christians balance grace and truth when evaluating others’ conduct?

The challenge of balancing grace and truth in our interactions with others is at the very heart of our Christian journey. It reflects the dual nature of our Lord Jesus Christ, who was “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Let us explore how we can embody this balance in our own lives and communities.

We must recognize that grace and truth are not opposing forces, but complementary aspects of God’s love. Truth without grace can become harsh and legalistic, while grace without truth can lead to permissiveness and a lack of moral clarity. Our goal is to hold these two in tension, just as our Lord did throughout His ministry.

Let us approach every person with a fundamental attitude of respect and dignity. Each individual, regardless of their actions, is created in the image of God and is infinitely precious in His sight. This recognition should inform all our interactions, even when we must address difficult truths.

We must cultivate humility in our hearts. None of us has a monopoly on truth, and we all fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). When evaluating others’ conduct, let us first examine our own lives and acknowledge our own need for God’s grace and forgiveness.

We should strive to understand before seeking to be understood. Take the time to listen deeply to others, to hear their stories and struggles. Often, what appears as sin or wrongdoing on the surface may be rooted in pain, fear, or misunderstanding. By listening with compassion, we create space for both grace and truth to flourish.

When we must speak truth, let us do so with gentleness and love. Our words should be chosen carefully, always with the goal of building up rather than tearing down. As St. Paul advises, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Colossians 4:6).

We must be patient in our expectations of others. Change and growth often happen gradually, and we must allow room for the Holy Spirit to work in people’s lives. Offer encouragement for steps in the right direction, rather than condemnation for not having arrived at perfection.

Let us create communities that embody both grace and truth. Our churches should be places where people feel safe to be honest about their struggles, knowing they will be met with compassion and support. At the same time, we should uphold clear moral teachings and encourage one another towards holiness.

Finally, we must always point people towards the ultimate source of grace and truth – Jesus Christ. Our role is not to be the final judge, but to guide others towards a personal encounter with the living God who alone can transform hearts and lives.

Balancing grace and truth is not easy, but it is essential to our Christian witness. May we always strive to reflect the heart of our Savior, who looked upon the crowds with compassion (Matthew 9:36) and who offered the woman caught in adultery both forgiveness and the call to “go and sin no more” (John 8:11). In this way, we become living testimonies to the transformative power of God’s love.(Anderson, 2023, pp. 179–182; Siri & Rahmi, 2023)

Bibliography:

Adetoogun, J. I., Aderinto, N., Ashimi, A. A., Akano, D. F., Ogundipe, T. O., & Fikayomi, P. B.