The subject of judgment has become a touchy one in the past few decades. The word carries a negative connotation in a world where two out of three adults claim that there are no moral absolutes, and 70 percent of Americans prefer to rely on their feelings, experiences, and trusted family and friends to decide what is right and wrong. Let’s explore three popular ideas about judgment based on the statement, “God doesn’t judge, and neither should you” as well as Jesus’ teachings on the subject.
God doesn’t judge people, period.
Some people think God can’t be bothered with the minor details of everyday living. Whether it comes from thinking that God has more important things to do or that God is too loving to point out sin, this statement denies that God is fully involved in our lives. But Jesus says in Matthew 10:29,30, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” A few verses prior, Jesus also speaks of the coming judgment on towns who reject his message (verse 15).
Who is God to judge me?
Other people think God’s judgment sounds like that of an arrogant dictator who makes up laws but doesn’t follow them himself. From the wiping out of various nations to the command to believe in Christ alone, the list of perceived wrongs against humanity fuels anger toward God’s commands. The answer to this objection starts with knowing who God is and who we are. Since God is perfect and just, he is the standard of goodness and we as his creation are subject to him. Unlike humans, God neither sins (2 Timothy 2:13), nor does his nature ever change from good to evil (Malachi 3:6).
You can’t judge me. Only God can.
Christians get a bad rap for being judgmental. Sometimes this label is deserved, such as when Christians jump to false conclusions about a situation or confuse personal preferences with God’s commands. Other times, the label is wrong, such as when Christians lovingly call a fellow believer to repentance or share the gospel message. No one except God judges perfectly. Popular Christian culture has tried to lean away from this negative label and toward the world’s definitions of love and kindness. Should we? Jesus has a better response.
Jesus says, “Judge correctly.”
Without judgment, no one can know what is helpful or harmful. Every day, we all make judgments based on the truth to stay safe, happy, and healthy. The same applies to spiritual life. Christians are judgmental. They must be. Where sin, the gospel, and proper biblical interpretation are involved, every Christian is called upon to separate truth from harmful errors using God’s Word (Matthew 7:15-20). When Jesus said, “Judge not” he was warning believers about the kind of judging the Pharisees did: looking down on others as if we are better than them (read Matthew 7:1-5 and John 4:14-24 for Jesus’ teachings on the subject). This type of judgment is a subtle kind of works-righteousness. If we are going to judge others by comparing their actions with our own, we are asking God to judge us based on what we do. None of us would want to stand in front of God and be judged in that way!
This attitude is a sin anyone can fall into. For example, demanding tolerance while refusing to tolerate a certain group or individual is judging self-righteously. Likewise, committing a sin while condemning someone for the same sin is also judging self-righteously. Even the most carefully crafted standard that seems to allow for my own desires while condemning everyone else will always end up judging me. Our standard must be the absolute truth of God’s Word, not personal feelings or experiences.
What happens when we or people we know are truly found to be in the wrong? The world judges harshly. It condemns you and tells you to earn your forgiveness . . . if it deems you worthy of forgiveness at all. Thankfully, Christ our heavenly judge isn’t only a judge. He’s also our mediator. God gives us grace, a grace that we can share with others, especially when a world that condemns judging is all too eager to judge.
Recommended resources:
- Quick to Listen: Understanding Viewpoints That Challenge Your Faith
- Prepared to Answer set
- Law and Gospel from the People’s Bible Teachings series
Written by Erika Sims, edited by Ray Schumacher