Being a pastor and minister of God’s Word, I get to counsel people. Last week, a couple that
attends our church came to me for help. As they explained their issues to me, all I could hear
was them judging one another. Sometimes we see fault in our brother’s eyes and have a lot to
say when they do wrong. Being a theologian means that I seek guidance from the Bible. Before I
gave the couple my advice, I asked myself, what does the Bible say, is judging a sin?
In this article, I will discuss what the Bible says about passing judgment. Join me on this
exploration and learn whether Jesus forbids judgment and what the Bible teaches about Jesus
being the judge. You will also discover what the right judgment looks like and how to know
when it’s okay to judge as a Christian. Read on to find out more!
What does the Bible say about passing judgment?
The Bible guides us in passing judgment as followers of Christ. It reminds us to be kind to our neighbors and do as we wish them done to us. In one of Jesus’ teachings, he calls his followers to pass judgment if they are free of any sin.
Since it is humanly impossible to be without sin, then judge not. The Bible clearly defines who will carry out judgment; God will judge all our sins. The Scripture advises us to leave all the worries to him and not to carry out revenge, for He knows best.
Did Jesus forbid judgment?
According to the Scripture, Jesus called out those who judged others. John 8:8 And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” In this verse, Jesus had been approached by those challenging his work; they presented an adulterous woman questioning whether He could forgive her sins. Through this scenario, Jesus castigated those who tried to place judgment on the woman. Before him, we are all sinners; as he said, without sin can judge another.
What does the Bible teach about Jesus being the judge?
Different verses in the Bible teach about Jesus being the judge. 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive good or evil, according to what he has done in the body. This verse reminds us at the end, Jesus will pass judgment on all based on their deeds.
Romans 12:17-19 Repay no one evil for evil but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God; for it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord. Here, the Scripture guides Christians not to take revenge and judgment into their own hands but to leave that to the Father.
What does the church say about judging others?
Currently, various churches across the world hold different values and teachings. However, most churches use the Bible to guide their congregants. And as the Bible stipulates, man should not judge fellow man. Only God can. Sadly, not all Christians heed this teaching, as those who are members of the church fall into the trap of judging others. However, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recognizes that it is inevitable to make judgments, including judging the actions of false prophets, as mentioned in Matthew 7:15.
What does judgment look like?
As the Bible informs believers of the Word, the only person who can pass judgment is God. 1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then every man will receive his commendation from God. Based on this verse, judgment will bring out all that one does when no one is looking and what lies in our hearts.
What does right judgment look like according to the Bible?
The Bible guides Christians on how fair judgment should be. Proverbs 31:9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, and maintain the rights of the poor and needy. This verse talks about protecting the rights of the poor and needy while passing judgment. Mathew 18:15 Here, the Bible gives an example of how one should carry himself when seeking justice from one who faults without harshly passing judgment.
How do you differentiate between judging and holding someone accountable as a Christian?
As a Christian, one should follow the teachings in the Bible while trying to correct the fault in a neighbor. When one seeks to hold the other accountable for his wrong deeds, they should follow the law without taking matters into their own hands. People are often quick to condemn others, forgetting they do wrong harshly. Therefore, one should be righteous when correcting someone bringing them to be accountable for their actions.
How do you know when it’s okay to judge as a Christian?
The Scripture has teachings on passing judgment that caution followers of Christ against doing so. In John 8:7, Jesus calls out those who attempted to judge the adulterous woman reminding them they are all sinners. As Christians, we are discouraged from judging others but letting God take charge. Mathew 6:14-15 this verse reminds us to forgive each other’s wrongdoing as He will grant us favor. Doctor Ryan Denison adds that when we call out unacceptable behavior to rectify, it is okay to judge.
How can Christians pass criticism without sinning?
The Scripture encourages Christians to pass judgment righteously. One should remember that he, too, carries fault; therefore, he should be just. Luke 6:31 And as you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. Christians should have this in mind before they call out on their neighbor’s faults; they should do it in a manner that they, too, would want to be done unto them. Theologians from Christian Living agree that positive criticism is acceptable and only becomes sinful when it becomes slander.
What makes judgment a sin?
Before God, we are all sinners; therefore, Christians receive teachings against passing judgment on each other. Only God can judge us as he sees everything in our lives. Humans are quick to criticize each other without first seeing fault in themselves. We may do it harshly in a manner that does not please God, which goes against His teachings. Minister Danny Davidson of First Baptist Church adds that judging people based on appearances and any other superficial judgment is wrong.
What are the consequences of passing judgment on others according to the Bible?
Christians are taught not to pass judgment on each other. Through teachings in the Bible, Jesus teaches his followers that only those who have no sin should cast fault on his brother. Various verses imply that those who pass judgment will receive the same predicament from God. He will judge us all fairly based on what we did in hiding and our hearts.
How can Christians deal with judging or being judged?
Christians should first seek to remove the log in their eyes before looking at the speck in their neighbor’s eyes. Therefore, Christians should learn to correct themselves and accept correction from neighbors. However, believers should be righteous when correcting each other. Correct as one would wish to be corrected. We are reminded not to revenge but to leave that to the Lord.
Bible verses about judging others
Mathew 7:1-5 Judge not, that you be not judged. You will be judged with the judgment you pronounce, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. 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 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.The Scripture guides Christians against judging others as the same predicament will apply to them.
Luke 6:36-42 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back. He also told them a parable: Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher. 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, brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye when you do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck in your brother’s eye. It reminds us of how easy humans are to cast fault on their neighbors, forgetting they, too, do wrong. It reminds us to correct ourselves before looking at others’ faults.
Romans 2:1-3 Therefore you have no excuse, O man, whoever you are when you judge another; for in passing judgment upon him, you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, are doing the very same things. Do you suppose, O man, that when you judge those who do such things and yet do them yourself, you will escape the judgment of God? These verses condemn judging, as those who criticize others are guilty of doing the same.
Romans 14:4 Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own Master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Master can make him stand. It reminds us that only God can pass judgment, for humans are all sinners.
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
