The Truth About Judging Others

“Do not judge so that you will not be judged” (Matthew 7:1).

Jesus wasn’t talking about criticism, or fault-finding, or disapproval.

Rather, He was talking about the way that you do those things. It is your manner that turns criticism into harshness. It is your attitude that turns fault-finding into blaming. It is your superiority and hypocrisy that turns disapproval into contempt and condemnation. Everyone makes judgments, but how you express those thoughts determines if you are sinfully judging others.

Yes, Jesus said that we will know them by their fruits.

And, yes, this involves making observations and having opinions, but it does not mean that we do so without understanding and love. He alone was perfect in His judgments. We are not. We have specks in our eyes that keep us from seeing clearly, and those specks are often prejudiced biases against others not like ourselves or who don’t conform to our standards. We are more like the Pharisees than we care to admit.

So, speak the truth in love if you must.

Otherwise, leave the judging to God.