In Matthew 7:1-2, Jesus touches on an important theme related to the way we think of and treat others. He says, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” With this command, Jesus warned against passing judgment upon others, because when we do so, we will be judged in a similar manner.
Among those who seem to know very little of the Bible, this is the verse that seems to be most popular. Yet most of the people who quote this verse don’t understand what Jesus said. They seem to think (or hope) that Jesus commanded a universal acceptance of the “I can live as I please” lifestyle. Could it also be that these same people understand what Jesus is saying but still quote this verse as an excuse for their lifestyle?
Jesus does say, “do not judge”—and a little later in this same sermon (Matthew 7:15-16), He commands us to know ourselves and others by the fruit of their life, and some sort of assessment is necessary for that. In John 7, Jesus states that we should “judge with right judgment” and not “by appearances” (John 7:14). The meaning of this is that we should judge from a biblical perspective, not a worldly one. So while this does not prohibit examining the lives of others, it certainly prohibits doing it in the Spirit.
Brethren, Jesus requires that our judgment be completely fair and that we only judge others by a standard we would also like to be judged by. We are to be discerning and not condemning. Scripture makes it very clear that there is one supreme Judge of all—Jesus—and that He alone has the authority to determine right and wrong motives and behaviours.
You see, Jesus takes judgment very seriously. He alone is the righteous judge, who is full of truth, compassion and grace. He does not judge by appearances, but judges with right judgment. Every judgment our Lord God pronounces issues from his loving nature. Therefore, when we judge, we must take great care that our judgment, like Jesus’, is always charitable. Christians are called to show unconditional love, not called to unconditional approval. We really can love people who do things that should not be approved of.
When you judge, judge with the help of the Holy Spirit; from a biblical perspective, with love, compassion & grace.
Angelisa is a Jesus enthusiast, Worship leader & Christian youth leader. She considers herself to be the old-fashioned type of girl who loves spicy food and belly bottom laughter. Among her passions are singing, working with children, and encouraging others.