The question of whether we should judge others is a complex one, often debated and frequently misunderstood. It’s common to hear the phrase “You shouldn’t judge people” when someone points out a wrong action. The expression “I’m not judging” has also become prevalent, almost as if suggesting better choices is somehow offensive. But is this avoidance of judgment truly beneficial, or is there a deeper understanding to be explored?
Late-night comedians sometimes use the Bible to criticize Christians who stand up for their beliefs. Ironically, those who tell you not to judge are, in effect, judging you. Perhaps challenging their judgmental comment is warranted, though it might not be well-received. Let’s examine this issue more closely.
It’s interesting when people who dismiss the Bible as authoritative then use it when it suits their needs. Ask someone where the verse about “judging others” is found, and they often struggle to answer. The principle of judging is often taken out of context and misquoted, even by those unfamiliar with the Bible. The famous verse is Matthew 7:1, which states, “Do not judge, so that you will not be judged.”
However, Jesus was not telling us to passively observe destructive behavior. Anyone who extracts a verse out of context to make a point is often manipulating evidence. Therefore, let’s consider the broader context. Matthew 7:1-5 says:
“Do not judge, so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. 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.”
Jesus is telling us to get our own lives in order first. We likely have issues – like a “log in our eye” – that need addressing before we can help others who need correction. Once we’ve dealt with our own problems that distort our vision, we can help others see clearly. A person with clear vision can make judgment calls about someone going off course. Removing the “speck out of your brother’s eye” involves judgment. The misquoted verse isn’t a command to avoid judging, but an example of how to judge. Don’t judge hypocritically, which is a universal problem.
I’ve been challenged by people who’ve said: “The Bible is wrong,” “There is no God,” and “Christianity is full of hypocrites.” The irony is that these are all judgments. While I’m not offended, I find it amusing when people claiming we shouldn’t judge make judgmental accusations. As a witness, not God’s attorney, I simply share what I know and leave the results to Him.
The question isn’t whether we should make judgments, but how we arrive at conclusions that form our “judgmental opinions.” Is truth involved? Can our conclusions be supported by evidence? Is there a moral basis for our conclusion? Once we’ve answered these questions, we need to ask: Do I have a legal, ethical, or moral obligation to step in (i.e., judge)? If so, what’s the best course of action? What happens if I remain silent or inactive? Is there an alternative?
This is why police officers need to be “above reproach.” We make countless judgment calls daily. We come to conclusions based on what we know and believe to be true. Police officers learn the elements of various crimes, and when a suspect crosses the line, we make a judgment call to initiate an arrest.
Next, the justice system comes into play. While officers make a judgment call in the field, the court makes the ultimate judgment of guilt or innocence. Christians are no more the ultimate judge of a person’s actions than a police officer is with crime. The court has jurisdiction over crime, and God is the ultimate judge of our actions.
For those who think Christians should be passive when it comes to ethical and moral discussions, Matthew 23 is helpful. Jesus challenged the Pharisees – political and religious leaders – exposing their deceit and self-serving methods assertively. “For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness,” Jesus told them. “ So you, too, outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”
Continuing, this is a favorite of mine: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you travel around on sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.” Wow! Sweet and gentle Jesus said this? Indeed, he did! Jesus was not Mr. Rogers! He was clearly compassionate and majestic most of the time, but he was anything but passive with people who demonstrated rottenness to the core.
Sometimes, we need to tell people when they’re wrong, but only after cleaning “the inside of our cup.” Conversely, when you compliment someone, which is judging them, no one gets upset. If I tell my wife, “Babe, you make that dress look beautiful,” she won’t be unhappy. We make complimentary “judgments” without being called “judgmental” all the time… or at least we should!
So, the truth is this: People simply don’t like “judgments” they disagree with, and they’re not honest about it. When you expose evil deeds, people will get mad at you – in police work and in your faith journey. Be prepared!
– Jim McNeff