Don't Judge Me!

Where did we derive the concept that people can't or shouldn't judge us? Was it from Matthew 7:1 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged." ???


Yeah... I'm sure that is where we got this from. The sentiment "don't judge me" is usually used when someone is aware that the acts they are performing are sinful in nature or may not be upstanding or pleasing but is stated as a reminder that everyone sins. But like we do with many other scriptures, we've taken this one verse and ran with it, disregarding other biblical instruction on judging.  We say "don't judge me" as a defense mechanism when we know we are dead wrong. By reading the entire passage that our coined scripture comes from, we gather that Jesus isn't telling us not to judge, He is telling us not to judge UNJUSTLY. There are several other scriptures in the bible that support us holding each other accountable... or what is known today as judging. Don't believe me? Watch this... 

By interpreting each part of the remainder of that passage, more clarity is brought to the judging issue. If we read further down in Matthew, we will see that Jesus actually continues with saying (Matt 7:2-5), "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged (if we judge with an evil heart or dark intent, His judgment of us will reflect it; if we judge nobly with honesty and justice, His judgment of us will reflect that, too), and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you (if we use extremes or exaggerations or other nasty means, His judgment of us will reflect it and judging with fairness and compassion will garner likewise in His judgment of us). Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye (point out his sins, "minor" in Jesus' example here) and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye (our own sins, even and especially those we will not admit, magnified by our selective blindness)? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' (tell him of his "minor" sins) when all the time there is a plank in your own eye (that there are greater or the same sins in our own lives which we do nothing about or think we are above)? You hypocrite (pointing out the sins of others while acting like we ourselves are above sin), first take the plank out of your own eye (sincerely ask the Lord for forgiveness and learn and live the Truth and Light by His Word), and then you will see clearly (be in a righteous position) to remove the speck from your brother's eye (to judge and to help him out of his bondage to sin)." 

And this isn't it, honey! There are several verses where we are instructed to hold one another accountable. Check some of these scriptures out. No interpretation needed... it's clear: 

• 1 Corinthians 6:2 Or do you not know that the Lord's people will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? 

• Proverbs. 3:21 My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion, 

• John 7:24 Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly. 

• 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked person from among you."

• James 5: 19-20 My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover a multitude of sins. 

• Matthew 18:15 "If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over." 

• Galatians 6:1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 

Ok, so you may say well what about the woman caught in the act of adultery in John 8:1-11.  The scribes and Pharisees told Jesus that according to the law she was to be stoned to death.  He told them "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." One by one each man dropped his stone and walked away. Jesus was not arguing with the judgment. Nor was Jesus arguing the law or the woman's guilt. Jesus was arguing with their right to execute the woman. Once all the men had dropped their stones Jesus confronted the woman and asked her if any of the men threw a stone at her (condemned her). When she answered "No one, sir", Jesus told her that neither would He - He forgave her of her sin. He did not excuse the sin of adultery, he forgave her of it.  He even corrected her of the sin by telling her "Go and sin no more." In this situation Jesus was not saying they couldn't justly judge her, he was saying they couldn't punish or condemn her. Neither can we. We may point out the error of each other's ways, hold each other accountable justly, but we have no authority for making someone pay for any wrong they have done. God is the ultimate judge. 

It is very important to note here that there is a proper way to do all things. That when holding someone accountable it should be done with grace, in love, and according to the word of God. If you notice someone that is not a child of the Kingdom doing wrong, take it as an opportunity to witness to them. But if they are of the Kingdom, it is your responsibility to remind them of the word of God. If acts of love proceed the correction, the person is much more liable to believe that the correction was done in love. Don't go beating someone over the head with your correction, do it with grace. And if it is not accepted, then pray about it and for them. 

Secondly we must make sure that we sweep around our own front door before trying to sweep around our neighbors. Example: I can't chastise you and tell you what the bible says about adultery, if we both know I'm cheating on my husband too. But if there is a sin that God has delivered me from, then as your sister in Christ, I should hold you accountable, seeking to help you, and witness how I was delivered as evidence. In the same token, you should seek to help me with what you don't battle with as much. It's a two way street. We, as siblings in Christ, are charged to help each other along the narrow path. 

So the next time you feel as though someone is judging you, remember that as your brother or sister in Christ, they are being obedient. As Christians we are suppose to hold each other accountable. Instead of getting an attitude, receive the correction. And don't go around pointing the finger at others. Don't throw stones if you live in a glass house. If you know there are things you need to get under the blood, ask God to work on you before you go trying to work on everybody else. 

With Love, 
-Kimyatta 

Daily Prayer: Lord, teach me the error of my ways and reveal to me my sins and shortcomings. Help me to justly correct and hold my brothers and sister accountable. Soften my heart, Father, so that I am able to receive their guidance in grace and love. 

Scripture to Study: Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor of favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly. Leviticus 19:15