Do Not Be Quick to Judge

In a nation governed by law, if someone is considered to have committed an established offense, that person will be arrested and tried. In court, the accused has the right to present a defense before the verdict is handed down. If proven guilty, for example of stealing, taking someone's life, or committing an indecent act, the law is ready to judge that person.

After that, often the person will later bear a label according to the crime committed. For example, corruptor, thief, murderer, and so on. It is not impossible for this label to stick for life.

Whether we realize it or not, in daily life we too often judge other people. What does the Bible say about this?

Do Not Judge One-Sidedly

"Do not judge by outward appearance, but judge with righteous judgment." – John 7:24

"Yes, his delight is in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by a mere glance or make decisions according to what people say." – Isaiah 11:3

Human social relationships are generally marked by many dynamics. At times we become trapped in a complicated relationship, whether with family members, friends, colleagues, or fellow believers. This situation can give us a subjective or biased view of someone.

Suppose we hear negative remarks about someone. Or we have seen that person do something disgraceful. Regardless of our subjective view (for example, perhaps we have long disliked that person's behavior), let us not immediately “sentence” that person with a certain label. The Bible says we must not judge others by what appears outwardly, at a glance, or based on what people say.

By accusing someone without clearly knowing the facts of the matter, we have already judged that person one-sidedly. It is no different from secretly labeling someone in our hearts or deliberately steering other people's opinions so they agree with our accusation.

Something happens for a reason. How much better it is if we first find out what moved that person to act that way. Perhaps the past shaped that person into who they are. Or that person may be struggling with a heavy problem. It could be that they are in need of help.

Judgment Is Not Our Right

My brothers and sisters, do not slander one another! Whoever slanders a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it; and if you judge the law, then you are not a doer of the law but its judge. – James 4:11

It is easier to judge others than to be the one being judged. It is quicker for us to notice someone's badness than their goodness. We readily point out other people's faults, but not our own.

Let us reverse the situation: How do you feel when you are judged, labeled lazy, a cheat, a thief, a know-it-all, a liar, loose-tongued, stubborn, cheap, an addict, unable to take care of your husband / child, not a true Christian, only because of one incident that perhaps was not as it appeared?

Remember that we are subjects of God's law, namely His word. We are all doers of the word, and God has not appointed or established you as a judge over His law.

If you are doubtful about a matter, do not be too quick to pass judgment on someone. Instead, surrender that matter to God. Let the Lord Himself reveal His truth to you, so that you do not sin by taking the judge's seat yourself, that is, by closing your mind toward someone.

But, O LORD of hosts, who judges righteously, who tests the mind and the heart, let me see Your vengeance upon them, for to You I have committed my cause. – Jeremiah 11:20

Only the Lord Is the Righteous Judge

There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, namely Him who has power to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your fellow human being? – James 4:12

Why do you judge others? Is it to prove that you are more perfect and better than they are? Even so, as a human being, you too are not free from the same faults. And when this happens, what you certainly need is not judgment.

Therefore you, whoever you are, who judge others, have no excuse. For in judging others, you condemn yourself, because you who judge practice the same things. – Romans 2:1

Do not judge so that you will not be judged. When you judge others, you have made yourself a judge over yourself and others. Judging others will not make you better than they are, because we are all doers of the word, not its judges.

Whenever you are tempted to judge someone, remember that only the Lord is the righteous Judge. Instead of judging, try to help that person. Show their fault gently and confirm the matter. If they admit it, what you can do is pray for them and help them change. Leave judgment to the Lord because only He is the righteous Judge!

Therefore, do not judge before the proper time, that is, before the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness, and He will reveal what is planned in the heart. Then each person will receive praise from God. – 1 Corinthians 4:5

*Church GKDI is currently present in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every area; if you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at contact Church GKDI Official: WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 or Facebook / Instagram GKDI Official

Related articles: Three Methods for Digging into the Word

Inspiration video: