Do not judge – Is that biblical? What does the Bible mean when it says we are not to judge others? from Compelling Truth
Matthew 7:1-2 records Jesus teaching, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.” From this, many—Christian and non-Christian alike—have adopted the concept that we are not to judge one another. But what exactly does that mean?
The Greek word used for “judge” in Matthew 7:1 is the same as that used to refer to God’s judgments in Revelation 19:11. In short, to “judge” is to separate, determine, or pronounce an opinion concerning right or wrong. Only God can accurately judge, for only He sees the heart (1 Samuel 16:7; Psalm 139:1, 23-24).
It is interesting to note that following Jesus’ command is a warning; we will be judged in the same way we judge others. Often when we think of those who are “judgmental,” we think of hypocritical or self-righteous people. When we are eager to judge others, it is usually because we are eager to boost our own self-concept. Judgmental people generally do not live up to their own standards of morality. To assuage their own sense of failure or guilt, they begin comparing themselves with others, usually condemning the other in an attempt to make themselves feel acceptable.
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We love helping others and believe that’s one of the reasons we are chosen as Ambassadors of the Kingdom, to serve God’s children. We look to the Greatest Commandment as our Powering force.
Jesus elaborated on this when He said, “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, 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 7:3-5). When we are focused on the shortcomings of others, we are blinded to our own faults. We become like the servant who was forgiven a great debt yet failed to extend the same mercy to a lesser debtor (Matthew 18:21-35). Failing to see our sins impedes our ability to enjoy fellowship with Christ and to cooperate with His work of sanctification. Our blindness also precludes us from being able to help another believer along the path of righteousness. The blind cannot lead the blind.
