Judging or Condemning

For you will be judged by the same standard with which you judge others, and you will be measured by the same measure you use.

Matthew 7:2 (CSB)

In the preceding verse, Jesus introduces His teaching with a clear and radical statement: "Do not judge, so that you may not be judged." However, He does not stop there; He goes on to provide explanations to help His audience fully grasp the meaning of His words. Is Jesus asking us not to judge simply out of fear of being judged ourselves? This is where many Christians fall into the trap of judgment. Some misinterpret this passage, believing that anyone who speaks out about an action commits the sin of judgment, and they use this verse to condemn that person. A cycle of judgment then sets in.

The word "judge" that Jesus uses here refers directly to the idea of ​​"condemning." In other words, it involves disparaging a person because of their errors or sins without analyzing their situation or seeking to understand them, and without confronting them in a way that edifies them and saves their soul, as prescribed in Matthew 18. Consequently, the way we condemn others will turn back on us, for in condemning their sin, we are no less sinners ourselves. It is in this sense that Jesus tells us we will be judged by the same measure we use to judge others. If you spend your time condemning others for their actions, you too will be condemned when you sin, and this will have a profound impact on your life.

When seeking to understand the meaning of the word "judge" as the Bible permits it, one realizes that it implies an intellectual analysis and a moral evaluation of the person in order to better understand them. Only then can we approach them privately to point out their fault and exhort them. If you succeed in convincing them, you save their soul. Avoid condemning others for their errors; Just like them, you need God's forgiveness, for all have sinned and fall short of His glory. The next time you learn of a brother's fault, before passing judgment, remember that God is watching you, just as He is watching him. Approach him with love and patience, for that is exactly what Jesus would do.

May the grace and peace of God be with you.