Judgment and the Christian
- Feb 10
- 3 min read
Judgment is one of the most challenging principles for Christians to understand, let alone honor. The Bible teaches that we should judge, yet we should also not judge. Many Christians, it seems, have not taken the time and effort to read, ponder, and pray over scripture, leaving them essentially two choices.
Some Christians seem to believe they are better than the rest of God's creation. They carefully watch and scrutinize what everyone else is doing. Often quick to attack, they spread anger, hatred, and condemnation, even offering scripture to validate their "authority." Sometimes, they put on a smile, shake hands, hug, etc., and act kind, but all the while, their bitterness is boiling. Once their victim is not present, they gossip, slander, etc., all under the guise of Christianity.
Some Christians profess their Christianity; some have never opened a Bible; some have decided to read and heed those parts with which they agree while ignoring the rest. They profess to be followers of Christ, but their actions are more consistent with followers of "Popular Opinion." They synchronize their beliefs and behaviors with the ever-changing beliefs and behaviors of their current company and society. There is no distinction between their desire to please God and their desire to please everyone else. Who are they honoring and glorifying?
I'll admit, the mantra "Don't Judge" sounds good; furthermore, as it pertains to eternal condemnation or salvation, it is correct. We don't decide who goes to Heaven and who goes to Hell! "Don't judge" in any other context is most often self-serving, at best idealistic, and at worst deadly. Picture a world where no one judges, and there is no "wrong" because there is no "right." There is no code of conduct, no law, and no consequences for violating either. Lying—"Don't Judge Me!"; Stealing—"Don't Judge Me!"; Rape—"Don't Judge Me!"; Murder—"Don't Judge Me!" It doesn't take too long for anyone of sound mind to arrive at the logical conclusion that we are to judge right from wrong.
In our Christian relationships, God commands us both to judge and not to judge, and disobedience on either side is dishonorable and displeasing to God. So what is a Christian to do? Do we use the Bible to spread anger, hatred, and condemnation? Do we follow only God's commands that we agree with and follow popular opinion otherwise? There is a third choice, which is the correct one. In all matters, especially spiritual, I suggest turning our concerns over to God in prayer. Turn to His word; see what He has to say. Time and time again, people come to me frustrated; they feel lost, unsure, directionless, and afraid to move. God has given us an "Instruction Manual" for life; be assured, our lives are much better when we use it! If you want to know what God has to say about judgment, set aside some time to read, meditate, and pray over the following scriptures:
God commands us to judge one another:
Matthew 7:15-20, 18:15-20
John 7:24
Acts 17:11
1 Corinthians 4:5
Galatians 6:1
2 Thessalonians 3:6-14
1 Timothy 3:1-12
2 Timothy 2:16-18
Titus 1:5-9,
1 John 4:1
2 John 9-11
God commands us not to judge one another:
Matthew 7:1-2
Luke 6:37
Romans 14:1-3
Colossians 2:16
James 4:12
Judgment as condemnation, never. Scripture-based judgment always serves as discernment, intercession, a loving rebuke, corrective guidance, and relational healing. I pray and hope this helps draw you closer to God and one another.
Image from Christian Life Ministry
The Bible teaches that correct judgment is:
Righteous (John 7:24)
Humble (Matthew 7:1–5)
Biblically grounded (Hebrews 4:1-2)
Aimed at restoration (Galatians 6:1)
Practiced within the church (1 Corinthians 5:12–13)
Discerning truth from error (1 John 4:1)
And it warns against:
Hypocrisy
Harshness
Judging motives
Using human standards
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