Should christians judge people? First off, all of humanity has two things in common:
- First, we don’t like to be told how to live.
- Second, we like to tell others how to live.
Jesus knew this when He said the words captured in Matthew 7:1-2. However, His words have been twisted by both Christians and non-Christians alike. Either we like to twist this verse because we don’t want others telling us what to do, or because we can tell others what to do—to stop being so judgmental! Either way, we’re adding our intentions into the Scripture, not drawing His truth out of it.
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. Matthew 7:1-2 NIV
If we could never judge others, our world would lack Christian leadership in some pretty important areas: the judicial system, policing, management, and parenting—just to name a few. So what’s Jesus saying? Let’s get some context from Matthew, chapter six. Jesus spent the first half of the chapter teaching how to give, pray, and fast without hypocrisy. He wanted us to do these things for God’s eyes rather than man’s.
Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. Matthew 6:1 NIV
So, is Matthew 7:1-2 a command never to judge—or never to judge hypocritically? The next three verses describe the silliness of pointing out sawdust in your brother’s eye through the clouded vision of a plank in your own. Sounds like Jesus is continuing the hypocrisy theme from chapter six into chapter seven. Scholars believe the book of Matthew was first written to the Jews in order to show Jesus as their Messiah. One repetitive theme is Jesus’ confrontation with Jewish leaders (Pharisees) who had become zealous enforcers of a set of 613 religious laws. Jesus’ words would have threatened their strictly legal brand of hypocritical worship.
Matthew may have included chapter 7:1-2 with his Jewish friends in mind, but let’s not miss what Jesus is saying to us today. The New Testament is full of lessons on judgment to varying audiences. In John 7:24 NIV, Jesus told us, “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”
The Apostle Paul mirrors Jesus in his reminder to Christians in Rome to avoid hypocrisy (Romans 2:1-4). In 1 Corinthians 5:12-13, Paul asked the Corinthian church to stop trying to judge people outside of the church because, as He explained in verse 13, that’s God’s job. This reminds us of Jesus’ targeted judgment of church leaders. So can we just let judgments fly within the church? Galatians 6:1 suggests the opposite: gentle restoration through relationship.
So should Christians judge people? We must first accept the judgment of Christ. He pointed out to hypocritical Pharisees—and to us—our failure to live by the law. Let’s not get so bent out of shape when non-Christians don’t live according to Christian morals. We can’t expect people who don’t know Jesus to live their lives trying to follow His ways. Finally, we need to restore those who share our faith with humility, gentleness, and relationship. Instead of telling people how to live, let’s show them how to love.
As much as we’d love to say we’ve never judged anyone, having a judgmental heart is a struggle for most of us. I jump to conclusions about the character of the person who cut me off in traffic or I’m hypercritical of those closest to me. If you’re having trouble overcoming a judgmental mindset, try thinking of the word DUAL—for Don’t judge; Understand, Accept, and Love.
Don’t Judge
The Bible tells us the mouth speaks what the heart is full of (Luke 6:45). What in your heart could be triggering a judgmental attitude? Prayerfully ask God to reveal the answers to these questions:
- Is criticizing others a mask for my own insecurities, jealousy, or envy?
- Am I guilty of the same things I’m passing judgment on?
- Am I holding people (or myself) to an unrealistic standard?
- Do I have an inaccurate view of how God sees me? (For example, do you believe God is constantly judging you?)
Understand
Try to understand people and their circumstances before saying anything.
“Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” John 7:24 NIV
Be open to the idea that your perspective doesn’t show you the entire picture. Seek understanding from the person and from the Holy Spirit.
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5 NIV
- Have I given the person a chance to share their perspective?
- Have I done the very same things?
- What questions should I ask before drawing a conclusion?
The more you understand, the less likely you are to judge.
Accept that God is working in everyone’s life for the better–yours included.
Accept
Accept that you can’t change people or control everything. Accept that the only person you can control is yourself. Accept that you don’t have all the answers. Accept that God is working in everyone’s life for the better–yours included.
- Six months from now, will this really matter?
- Is God trying to teach me something through this situation?
- What makes it difficult for me to accept this and let it go?
The world needs your love and kindness more than it needs your opinion.
Love
God loves all of us, His children, deeply. The best way to combat a judgmental heart is to embrace God’s love and love as He would. The world needs your love and kindness more than it needs your opinion.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 ESV
- How has God demonstrated His love in my life?
- What are ways I can extend the same love, patience, and grace God has given me?
- How can I respond in a way that builds a person up rather than tears them down?
As you judge less and love more, watch how God transforms your heart, your relationships with others, and your relationship with Him!