“Do not judge others” may be the most popular verse in the world. It’s the one phrase from the Bible that everyone seems to know—and often misapply. A former politician continued to text inappropriate photos of himself to strangers even after he apologized and resigned in disgrace. He angrily told a disgusted voter that he had no right to judge him. Pope Francis, when asked about gay priests, replied, “Who am I to judge?” I believe he meant that it’s not his job to judge people’s sins, but many mistook it as an endorsement of a homosexual lifestyle.
What did Jesus mean when He said, “Do not judge others”?
First, Jesus didn’t mean that we should not judge actions. The “Don’t judge” mantra is the last refuge for those who get caught red-handed. They know what they did was wrong, but if they can make others feel even worse for saying so, then—comparatively—they may feel better about themselves.
To understand our need for a Savior, however, we must identify sin. So rather than turn a blind eye to it, Jesus commands us to “go privately and point out the offense” (Matthew 18:15). Paul writes, “If another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path” (Galatians 6:1). “Gently and humbly” is the key.
Second, Jesus meant we should not judge persons. We must not proudly assume that we’re better than they are; but being “careful not to fall into the same temptation” (Galatians 6:1), we leave their fate to God. We’re glad to let God be their judge, for who would want that responsibility? We’re responsible only to love them, which sometimes means pointing out that what they did was wrong.
Instead of judging others, we can follow Jesus’ lead and love people by gently and humbly judging actions.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Luke 17:20-37
More:
Read 1 Corinthians 5:1-12 to learn how judging sin is an act of love.
Next:
How can you know that your “judging” is “speaking the truth in love”? How can your loving, but convicting words lead others to God’s grace and forgiveness?
alseeking on August 21, 2014 at 2:43 am
Hi Mike,
Re: Don’t Judge
{When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”} John ch8 v7
Why do you always preach about homosexual people in the context of ‘judgement’?
Do you really believe this helps God’s gay people.
You are blessed by God with a family. Please have some compassion for those who do not have your 100% heterosexuality (Science has proven that sexuality and even gender is on a continuum. You must be at the macho end?)
What are your sins Mike?
Give us an inventory and maybe, just maybe, if you haven’t sinned one sin then I will listen to your ‘not judging’ diatribe.
I think YOU have an issue about gay people. (Just a suggestion, not a judgement).
Thanks for your other homilies during the year.
philakins on August 21, 2014 at 8:10 am
@alseeking, I think every christian should have issues with homosexuality just like every other sin. It was recorded as one of the sins committed by the people of Sodom and Gomorrah which culminated in their destruction by God.
However, we must not judge them because we know people who engage in this act are controlled by demons and we should pray for them and hope to see them become changed people like Mary Magdalene in the bible. Jesus Christ never allowed Mary Magdalene to be judged and killed but he never approved of her sins as he forgave her and asked her NEVER to sin again.
Having said that, I must say it is utterly wrong and misleading to have gay priests! what would they be ministering to their congregation?
God help us all to continue to be THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD!
street on August 21, 2014 at 8:16 am
Why do you always preach about homosexual people in the context of ‘judgement’?
the push back from pride is so strong.
do you remember the woman caught in adultery?
where was the guy? homosexuals are not the only ones struggling with sex or relationships! most men do and 50% of marriages end in divorce. homosexuals want to be married when they know 50% are failures? it would seem choosing to be different and wanting to be married you could come up with something better than marriage. I don’t think it will work because you simply ignore the problem….sin. God convicts me of the same sin over and over till i get it right. Thank you God for your steadfast love. do not turn from God when He speaks to your heart or you will become mad, angry, and in the end burn. I don’t know if you may understand that self absorption is sin, but being absorbed, filled, or delighting in God is righteousness. it’s not self aware.
Gary Shultz on August 21, 2014 at 6:54 am
The post rings my bell. We need to be on guard of making wrong assumptions and reactions. I find a study of how Christ encountered people to be very reveling. It is very interesting how there was differences, but love was the driving force.
tommyb1 on August 21, 2014 at 9:09 am
I believe your scripture Ref. 1 Corinthians
5:1-12 makes it clear how we are to judge.
You’re right , It’s just that some people don’t
have any ideal what True Love really is.
It is always correcting not condemning.
Thanks for your Post.Mike!!
lindafrances on August 21, 2014 at 9:22 am
Wonderful article!
I am blessed to have a friend who knows my weakness and reminds me we all have weaknesses which, with Gods help we can overcome day by day. Sometimes I give in to my sin, but I always regret it, thank God. I know God set boundaries for our own good, just as parents warns their kids about strangers or crossing the street alone. Its so good to know that God is a Father who knows we are weak and loves us so much that when Jesus volunteered to pay for our sins, our Father, knowing the sorry and pain he would suffer, let Him sacrifice Himself so we could live eternally with with them in heaven. When I think of my struggle with sin on earth for maybe 100 years compared to eternal peace and joy with God, it encourages me.
street on August 21, 2014 at 9:58 am
alseeking if you are still seeking. read the story of Exodus from the burning bush, call of Moses, to the passover. read it slowly think about what is going on in the hearts of the people and their actions. pay close attention to how Moses how changes in the story. the people are far from perfect. God said he would make a distinction between Egypt and Israel in the mind of the Egyptians. you would think after this contest it would be a cake walk and judgment would be over! it is not. God judgment on Israel was was just as bad if not worse. he killed them all in the desert except two of them and the young ones. it is because of His love and how He deals with sin we trust Him. because of His Love we wait for His righteousness and justice because we know Him.
poohpity on August 21, 2014 at 11:30 am
It seems that those outside of the body are left to God to judge (1Cor 5:12) but with careful intent on restoration it seems we are to hold each other accountable especially if we see a blatant action that is causing one to walk away from God and causing problems within the body.
What seems more important is the one who goes to the person who is being held accountable. A spiritual person who knows and is aware of the condition of their own heart will do it with much care and mercy knowing that one day it could be them. Treating others in the same manor and measure they would like to be treated.
poohpity on August 21, 2014 at 11:51 am
Mike, you said, “To understand our need for a Savior, however, we must identify sin.” I do not think that means in others but in our own life, our own need. Letting God convict a heart means we trust Him it is not our job. The Holy Spirit does quite well on It’s own.
poohpity on August 21, 2014 at 1:14 pm
It would seem that when Jesus sent out disciples it was with the intent to tell them the coming kingdom was here, healing and casting out demons. I guess I missed where it was to point out sin. (Matt 10:1; Luke 9:1) Jesus did not even come to do that He came to save.This seems to be one of the biggest problems Christians have and to say for sure that this is what Jesus meant by not judging which is one of biggest deterrents from bringing Gods’ grace to those around us should be well heeded not to do.
Mike Wittmer on August 21, 2014 at 2:45 pm
alseeking: The point I was making was even the pope said “Who am I to judge?” At the time, many non-Christians were surprised. They said, “But you’re the pope. It’s kind of your job!” I mentioned the issue of gay priests because that is the context in which he spoke. But that was simply context, not the main point of the essay.
If you want to know, I struggle with pride, lust, greed, sloth, and many other sins. I don’t think my sins are somehow less offensive than anyone else’s.
lyn276 on August 21, 2014 at 7:09 pm
Today’s post was most enlightening. Thank you, Mike, and may God bless you. Continue to speak the truth in love.
LCC on August 22, 2014 at 2:47 am
Thanks Mike for sharing your thoughts in this article. I believe all of us have the spirit of judgemental in us, and that is because of the spirit of self-righteousness in us. But thank God in Christ we are made right with us (Eph 4:24). But as Paul said, we are to live in the spirit and by the Spirit (Gal 5:25; Rom 8:4). Only then we can overcome the spirit of self-righteousness and judgemental. That is my understanding.