Judging Justly

A common misconception within the Christian faith is the notion that believers are not supposed to judge others. The phrase "Only God can judge me" is often used to justify this belief. In John 7:24, it is stated, "Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” This verse highlights the importance of exercising discernment and making fair assessments. True judgment requires more than just surface-level observations; it requires a deeper understanding and connection with the individual in question. To judge justly, one must first seek to know and build a relationship with the person being judged. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we are indeed called to hold one another accountable. Just as we desire to be held accountable for our own actions, we are also tasked with providing that same level of accountability to others. Therefore, rather than avoiding judgment altogether, Christians are called to approach it with wisdom, compassion, and a genuine desire for the well-being of their fellow believers.

I know that this can be much easier said than done. As a natural-born people-pleaser, I am always afraid that I will say or do something that is going to offend the other person. But being a people-pleaser means that I am ultimately putting the fear of man and what they think about me above the fear of God. When people's souls are on the line, we cannot be worried about offending them. It reminds me of the concept that it is better to risk offending someone in order to lead them to Christ, rather than offering false comfort that may lead them to life without Him. It may come with uncomfortable or even awkward conversations, but a person's salvation is so much more important than a moment of discomfort for us. Choosing to embrace these difficult conversations with courage and compassion can lead to others forming or deepening their relationship with Christ. What could be better than that?

It is also important to remember that when we are judging others, we too should expect them to judge us justly. By recognizing that our own actions, words, and intentions are also open to scrutiny, we cultivate a sense of humility and accountability. Matthew 7:1-2 reads, "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you." It is not enough for us to only judge others. We should desire that judgement for ourselves as well. This mutual expectation of being judged encourages us to approach judgment with a balanced perspective, considering not only the actions of others but also our own behavior. As disciples of Jesus, we are called to be like Him. That may mean that sometimes others are able to recognize our sin even before we can. This can be a humbling experience, as it reminds us of our imperfections and the areas in which we still have room to grow. While it may be uncomfortable to have our sins or faults pointed out by others, it serves as an opportunity for self-examination and repentance. Recognizing that others may see our sins before we do requires us to approach relationships with humility, openness, and a willingness to accept feedback. It invites us to engage in honest conversations with trusted individuals who can help us identify areas of improvement and offer guidance on our walk with Christ. Through this process of accountability and support, we can better align our lives with the teachings of Jesus and continue to strive towards becoming more like Him in all aspects of our life.

I think a crucial aspect of this is first and foremost acknowledging our own flaws and sins. If we start to believe that someone else is more sinful or "wrong" than us, we should pause and reflect on ourselves, ensuring we remove the log from our own eye. Matthew 7:5, "You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye." My prayer is to have the humility to acknowledge my own faults and imperfections before being aware and calling out those of others.