What does “do not judge” mean?

21 March 2022

By Rev Kenneth Mtata 

Today’s readings

Psalm 39; 

Jeremiah 11:1-17; 

Romans 2:1-11

Today’s verse

“Therefore you have no excuse, whoever you are, when you judge others; for in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, are doing the very same things.” (Romans 2:1).

We have heard many times people say, “do not judge” when you challenge them for doing something you consider contrary to God’s word. The assumption that we should not have an opinion on whether an action is good or bad seems to be confirmed by scriptures like Matthew 7:1 which says, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” But is it true that we should have no opinion on whether actions are good or bad? Not necessarily! Otherwise, we would not be able to fulfil the mission God has given us to call people to repentance if we were not allowed to tell whether an action is good or bad. So, what kind of judging is discouraged and what is encouraged?

First, the bible discourages human beings to judge other human beings simply because our judgments tend to be prejudiced, selfish and misinformed. Sometimes our judgements are faulty because we do not have enough information about people or situations we are judging. Sometimes judgement is unfair because we tend to use lenient or kind criteria when we judge ourselves or those we love and use a harsh and strict scale when we judge our opponents and those we dislike. Romans 2:1 says, you can't judge well because you “are doing the very same things” and Matthew 7:5 says:” first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Judgement is therefore not totally rejected. But because of human limitations and weaknesses, we are warned to be cautious when we judge others. 

Second, we should be very clear and categorical in judging our own actions and actions of others such as turning things or people into gods, false witness, greed, hatred, disregard of people’s dignity, selfishness, etc. We can still judge our own evil actions and the evil actions of others without condemning anyone. Here judgement is meant to cause remorse or brokenness of the heart leading us and others to repentance. But in so doing, we must remain loving and respectful. If we not sure about what opinion to have, we can pray and keep our silence.

Third, judgement as in condemning people to hell is totally rejected because it is only God’s prerogative or right to do that. And God will only pronounce condemning judgment at the end of times. For this reason, in 1 Corinthians 4:5 brother Paul warns us, “Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.” At that time there will be many surprises because God will reveal to us what we did not know about ourselves or others. But we look to that day with confidence because there is “no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:1). During this time of Lent, we remember that on the cross, Jesus, “bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed” (1 Peter 2:24).

Prayer

God we are thankful that your judgements are true, they are gracious, and patient. Help us to learn from you so that if we judge anyone, our judgement will lead them to repentance and change. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen