“Judging others makes us blind, whereas love is illuminating. By judging others we blind ourselves to our own evil and to the grace which others are just as entitled to as we are.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

“None are more unjust in their judgments of others than those who have a high opinion of themselves.” (Charles Spurgeon)

Matthew 7:1-5, “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. 3 "And why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own? 4 How can you think of saying to your friend, 'Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,' when you can't see past the log in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye.” ‘Judge’ in verse 1 from the Greek word, krino, means: to pronounce judgment, to subject to censure, to pass judgment on deeds and words without case, to judge severely (unfairly) finding fault with this or that in others. The word ‘judgment’ in verse 2, translated from the Greek word, krima, means: a condemnation of wrong, the decision (whether severe or mild) which one passes on the faults of others. If we take note of verse 5, it states we should get rid of the log in your own eye, then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye. Don’t judge others without first facing your own faults.

I feel it is important at this point, to distinguish the difference between ’judging’ and ‘recognizing’ that a fellow believer is overcome by sin. In that case, we are to humbly and gently help that person back into the right path. Galatians 6:1, “Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.” The phrase “help that person back” in the King James Version reads, ‘restore’. The Greek for that phrase is katartize and means: to strengthen, perfect, complete, make one what he ought to be (by correction brought back into the right way.) We are not to judge. We are to restore.

So there is no misunderstanding, our topic today is ‘judging.’

James 4:11 and 12 reveals, “Don't speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God's law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you. 12 God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor?” Jesus, by the authority of His Father judges what is righteous. Acts 10:42 says it all, “And he ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all--the living and the dead.”

2 Timothy 2:24-26 (KJV), “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness (gentleness, mildness) instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” In verse 24, a “servant” (doulos) is one whose service is used by Christ in extending and advancing His cause among men. “Strive” is to engage in a war of words, to quarrel, wrangle, or dispute. “Patient“ means patient of ills and wrongs, and forbearing. In verse 25 the word “instructing” means, molding the character of others by reproof and admonition or to correct. The phrase “recover themselves” means to be set free from the snare of the devil and return to a sound mind.

I want to paraphrase these verses so we do not miss how dynamic they are. A servant of Christ, one whom He uses to advance His kingdom, must not engage in a war of words, quarrel, wrangle, or dispute with anyone. They must also overlook wrongs. They must be patient and gently instruct so as to mold the character of others by reproof, admonishing, and correcting them so they will be set free from the snare of the devil.

Can you imagine what a difference we could make in other’s lives if we could consistently live out these verses? I’m afraid many of us fall way short in this area of judging, overlooking opposition, refraining from engaging in wars of words, and instructing gently and patiently rather than rejecting. But listen, this is what the Lord desires that we do!

When dealing with others concerning what we perceive as a problem or qualification, we must remember to not judge or discern according to appearance, but to let the Holy Spirit judge according to the heart. John 7:24 (ESV), “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” Believers must stop rejecting others because of their outward appearance.

Be careful to not judge others according to your own beliefs. Be more concerned and focused on what you do as a servant of Christ. Colossians 2:16, “So don't let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths.” Colossians 3:23 and 24, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 24 Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.”

Remember, we are made in the image of God. We are to reflect His nature and virtues. Ephesians 4:24 (CSB), “and to put on the new self, the one created according to God's likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.”

If we see someone make a wrong turn, we are to be merciful, just as God is merciful. Mathew 5:7, “God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

Luke 6:36-38, “You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. 37 "Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full--pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back."

Ephesians 5:1,2 and 8 (NKJV), “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. ... 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”

Dietrich Bonhoeffer had more to say about ‘judging’. “Judging others is something we all do throughout the course of each day and a lot of times, it’s unconsciously done. When we judge others, we are practicing the opposite of love. We can no longer see grace and grace is something everyone deserves.”

Lastly, we will read 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 from the Amplified Bible.

I Corinthians 13:4-8

4 Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant. 5 It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured. 6 It does not rejoice at injustice, but rejoices with the truth [when right and truth prevail]. 7 Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening].

8 Love never fails [it never fades nor ends]. But as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for the gift of special knowledge, it will pass away.”

 Father, keep us from pride and help us to be conscious of when we begin to get judgmental. Help us to see that others need grace as much as we do. Lord help us to bring glory to you by living our lives in demonstration of the gifts of Your Holy Spirt and Your love. Father let us see others as being more important than ourselves and enable us to put their interests before our own. To Your honor, glory, and praise. In the matchless name of Jesus we pray. Amen

Unless otherwise indicated all scriptures are taken from the New Living Bible.

ESV English Standard Version

CSB Christian Standard Bible

KJV King James Version

NKJV New King James Version