Should Christians Judge? If So, How?

by Dale Partridge

In Matthew 7:1 Jesus says, “Do not judge so that you will not be judged.” What does this really mean? Is this a universal command? If so, how is the civil court system called to exercise justice? How are Christians to exercise church discipline? How are parents to correct their children?

After a more careful examination, it becomes clear that Jesus’ words cannot be a carte blanche command. So what does Jesus mean in this passage? How are Christians to think about judgment and justice? In this episode of Real Christianity, pastor Dale Partridge confronts these questions with careful exposition.

Critical Questions:

Do you have a judgemental and condemning posture toward others or do you desire to extend compassion and mercy?
Do you humbly carry out your judgments in your God-given spheres of authority?
Do you cross boundaries and attempt to judge those outside of your God-given spheres of authority?
Do you judge your own life against the Scriptures? Do you examine your own heart with more rigor than you examine the lives of others?

Episode Sponsor

As you may know, I (Dale) battle with seasons of chronic illness and our medical expenses can pile up quickly. This is why our family uses Christian Healthcare Ministries. CHM is a faith-based, nonprofit, voluntary cost-sharing ministry through which participating Christians from all 50 states and across the world have and continue to help pay each other’s medical bills. If you are starting your own business or in an untraditional line of work that doesn’t offer medical coverage, CHM may be your answer for future, worrisome health expenses. Visit their website at chministries.org and request an info pack for more information on all that CHM does for Christians just like you.

Scripture References

Matthew 7:1

Do not judge so that you will not be judged.
Proverbs 16:18

Pride goes before destruction, And an arrogant spirit before stumbling.
1 Corinthians 13:5

love thinks no evil
Psalm 97:10

You who love the Lord, hate evil!
1 Corinthians 5:12-13

For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.”
Titus 1:9

hold fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.
John‬ 12:47

If anyone hears My sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.
1 Samuel 16:7

For God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
2 Corinthians 13:5

Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.
1 Corinthians 11:28

Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.
1 Corinthians 9:27

But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
Lamentations 3:40

Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!

After watching or listening to this episode, what is your opinion? Do you have any questions or comments? Maybe you have something to add to the discussion? If so, let us know in the comments below.

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