I thought we weren't supposed to judge!

I dealt earlier with the topic of the existence of right and wrong and truth. We might say that we believe the propaganda that all truth is relative, but nobody can live as if that were true. If somebody short changes you at the supermarket, you will not likely accept their explanation that for him (her) 10 - 2 = 4! You will want and probably demand, your $8. The next line of defense in this and other scenarios will likely be “You're judging me, and we are not supposed to judge right?” Well you can even quote scripture to that end “Jude not that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1). But are we necessarily judging (in the sense that Jesus means here) when we believe (and/or say) that something is wrong?

In believing that something is wrong we can certainly be, and many are, judgmental. But being judgmental has more to do with attitude than with truth. One dictionary defines “judgmental” as having or displaying an overly critical point of view. Another talks about harsh judgement. A judgmental attitude frequently carries overtures of condemnation and can be accompanied by traces (or more) of self righteousness. But this is not the same as simply thinking or stating an opinion that this or that, is wrong. A parent can correct a child without being judgmental, harsh or overly critical. The statement “Johnny it is wrong to take something that does not belong to you,” can be spoken in love, with the best interest of the child at heart. Why would this necessarily be wrong if spoken to an adult?

I like to distinguish between being judgmental and being discerning. I can discern that something is wrong without being judgmental. I understand that the flesh is weak, that we are creatures of passion. I understand how easily a person can fall into adultery, but I am not willing to say that adultery is not wrong. This is surely what Jesus was doing when he spoke to the woman caught in the very act of adultery saying to her “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more” (see John 8:11 and context).

It is true that the Jesus tells us not to judge (Matthew 7:1). However in a different context, He also tells us “judge with righteous judgment.” The context of this quotation makes is clear that what He is saying is that our judgement is to be judgment, as opposed to judging by mere appearance (John 7:24). It is the very same word in the Greek, that is used in both of these verses. However, rather than go away saying that the Bible contradicts itself, understand that Jesus is telling us in the first verse not to be judgmental, and in the second that if and when we do judge, we are to do so with righteous judgement. As in English, the same word can have different shades of meaning that can be determined by the context.

So what then is righteous judgement? Is it not at least partially approving things that are excellent (Philippians 1:10) and discerning those things that are not? The meaning is clarified somewhat in Galatians 6:1 where we are told “if anyone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.” How can we restore such a one, if we are not allowed to judge (i.e. discern) that they are “caught in a sin” in the first place? But that we are not to be judgmental, is brought out by the last part of the verse which adds “But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” A non-judgmental attitude and a humble and gentle spirit go hand in hand. On the other hand, again as this verse implies, being non-judgmental does not mean being without opinion, or spineless or indifferent. Jesus was none of these things when He gave His seven fold “Woe”s to the Scribes and Pharisees calling them hypocrites (Matthew 23:13-29).

So the command alluded to in the title from Matthew 7:1 is not a command to cast away discernment, nor is it a command to shut our mouths period. It is to make sure that when we judge (discern right from wrong) we are to do so without an overly critical spirit, without harshness or condemnation, and without self righteousness. On the positive side we are indeed to judge (discern) right from wrong, but we are to do so only with righteous and just discernment, and in a gentle, humble and non-judgmental spirit!