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Writer's pictureEdward D. Andrews
Aug 17 min read

How Should We Understand Jesus' Teaching on Judging Others?

The Misunderstanding of Matthew 7:1


Matthew 7:1, "Do not judge, so that you won't be judged," is frequently quoted in contemporary discourse, often to imply that making any moral judgment is prohibited. However, a closer examination of the context reveals a more nuanced understanding. Jesus is not forbidding all forms of judgment but is cautioning against hypocritical and self-righteous judgment.


In the context of Matthew 7:1-5, Jesus is addressing the issue of hypocritical judgment. He uses the analogy of a person with a log in their own eye attempting to remove a speck from someone else’s eye. The problem Jesus highlights is not the act of judging itself, but the hypocrisy of judging others while ignoring one’s own faults. He instructs, "First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye" (Matthew 7:5). This indicates that self-examination and repentance are prerequisites for making righteous judgments about others.



Judging According to Righteous Judgment


In John 7:24, Jesus commands, "Stop judging according to outward appearances; rather judge according to righteous judgment." This indicates that judgment should be based on truth and righteousness, not superficial appearances or biases. Righteous judgment involves discerning between right and wrong based on God's standards, with a spirit of humility and love.


The Bible provides several instances where righteous judgment is necessary. For example, in 1 Corinthians 5:12-13, Paul addresses the need for the church to judge those within the congregation who are living in blatant sin: "For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges. Remove the wicked man from among yourselves." This indicates that the church has a responsibility to maintain moral purity within its community by addressing unrepentant sin.


The Role of Self-Examination in Judging Others


Before making any judgment, believers are called to self-examination. In Matthew 7:5, Jesus emphasizes the need to "first take the log out of your own eye," which means recognizing and addressing our own sins and shortcomings. This process of self-examination helps cultivate a humble and compassionate attitude when addressing the faults of others.


Galatians 6:1 echoes this principle: "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted." The goal of righteous judgment is restoration, not condemnation. It should be done with a spirit of gentleness and humility, recognizing that we are all susceptible to sin.



The Necessity of Making Moral Judgments


Moral judgments are an integral part of the Christian life. Avoiding judgment altogether can lead to moral relativism, where the distinction between right and wrong becomes blurred. Ephesians 5:11 instructs believers to "have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." This involves making clear distinctions between what is morally right and wrong based on biblical principles.


Jesus Himself made moral judgments and called out sin. In Matthew 23, He pronounced woes on the Pharisees and teachers of the law for their hypocrisy and self-righteousness. He condemned their actions not to belittle them, but to call them to repentance and true righteousness.


The Danger of Self-Righteous Judgment


The kind of judgment Jesus condemns is self-righteous judgment, where one elevates oneself above others and judges them harshly without recognizing one’s own need for grace. This attitude is exemplified in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18:9-14. The Pharisee prays with pride, thanking God that he is not like other sinners, while the tax collector humbly asks for mercy. Jesus commends the tax collector's humility, teaching that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.


James 4:11-12 also warns against speaking evil of one another and judging one another in a self-righteous manner: "Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?" This reinforces the principle that judgment should be approached with humility, recognizing that ultimate judgment belongs to God alone.



Practical Application of Righteous Judgment


Practicing righteous judgment involves several key principles:


  1. Self-Examination and Repentance: Before addressing the sins of others, believers must examine their own lives and repent of any known sins. This ensures that their judgment is not hypocritical.

  2. Humility and Compassion: Judgment should be made with a spirit of humility and compassion, recognizing our own need for God's grace. Galatians 6:1 emphasizes restoring others gently, being mindful of our own weaknesses.

  3. Discernment and Wisdom: Believers must discern between right and wrong based on biblical principles. This involves studying Scripture and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit to make judgments that align with God's truth.

  4. Restoration, Not Condemnation: The goal of righteous judgment is to restore others to a right relationship with God, not to condemn them. This involves addressing sin in a way that encourages repentance and growth in holiness.

  5. Community Accountability: Within the church, believers are called to hold one another accountable in love. This involves addressing unrepentant sin within the community to maintain moral purity and unity.


Jesus' Example in Judging Righteously


Jesus provides the ultimate example of righteous judgment. Throughout His ministry, He confronted sin and called people to repentance with both truth and love. In John 8:3-11, Jesus encounters a woman caught in adultery. While the Pharisees are quick to condemn her, Jesus responds with wisdom and compassion. He challenges those without sin to cast the first stone, and when they leave, He tells the woman, "Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more." Jesus acknowledges her sin but offers grace and a call to a transformed life.


In another instance, Jesus addresses the hypocrisy of the religious leaders in Matthew 23. He pronounces woes on them for their outward displays of piety while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Jesus' judgment is rooted in a desire to expose sin and call people to genuine righteousness.



The Balance of Grace and Truth


Righteous judgment requires a balance of grace and truth. John 1:14 describes Jesus as being "full of grace and truth." Believers are called to emulate this balance in their interactions with others. Speaking the truth about sin is necessary, but it must be done with a spirit of grace and love.


Ephesians 4:15 instructs believers to "speak the truth in love." This means addressing sin and moral issues with a heart that seeks the best for others, desiring their restoration and growth in Christ. It involves being honest about sin while offering the hope and grace found in the gospel.



The Role of Church Discipline


Church discipline is an aspect of righteous judgment within the Christian community. It is a means of addressing unrepentant sin and maintaining the purity and witness of the church. Matthew 18:15-17 outlines a process for addressing sin within the church: "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector."


The goal of church discipline is restoration and reconciliation. It involves confronting sin in a loving and orderly manner, with the hope that the individual will repent and be restored to fellowship. When conducted with humility, compassion, and adherence to biblical principles, church discipline serves to protect the integrity of the church and promote spiritual growth.


Conclusion


Understanding Jesus' teaching on judging others requires a careful examination of the context and a balanced approach to making moral judgments. Jesus condemns hypocritical and self-righteous judgment but calls for righteous judgment based on truth, humility, and love. Believers are called to self-examination, humility, and compassion in their judgments, seeking the restoration and growth of others.


By following Jesus' example and adhering to biblical principles, believers can navigate the complex issue of judgment in a way that honors God and promotes peaceful and holy relationships within the Christian community.


About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).


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