6 Problems with Judging Your Neighbor
God says we are not to judge, but I’d venture to say that all of us do. Judgment slips in subconsciously. We think, “He shouldn’t do that!” Maybe the thought is based on the knowledge gained from the Word. We know he will suffer consequences if he continues his action. It seems it’s just a thought, not judgment.
Sometimes, our “thoughts” are judgmental because we are proud. We think we know better or have higher standards. Other times, we need discernment in order to run from evil, so we must assess people and situations.
I’m not sure where to draw the line that separates thought, observation, or discernment from judgment. What I do understand is that thought can start innocently enough, but if you continue to focus on the negative issues about a person or a particular action, you’ll find yourself judging.
I know too, that God says not to judge. Consequently, we should not judge. But have you stopped to consider what’s wrong about it?
Some reasons are pretty obvious. One we’ve already mentioned.
- God said not to judge, therefore, it is sin. Consequently, if we desire to walk in righteousness, judgment should not be part of our lives. (“Do not judge” Mt. 7:1a.)
- Judgment often assumes motive. However, we cannot know what is in another person’s heart or mind, so we can’t properly discern their motive. Neither can we understand his or her background training or the wounds that might affect their present day actions. (“God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” 1 Sam. 16:7b.)
- Judging creates barriers in relationships. When you judge someone for one thing, you tend to generalize to other areas of their life as well. When you constantly see negative in others, it hampers unity and destroys relationships, but the Bible makes it clear that we are to seek unity.
- As you judge, you will be judged. Do you like to be judged? Do you want to be around the person that disapproves of you? When you judge, you are asking to be judged. (“For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you” Mt. 7:2).
- God is judge. When you judge, it is far more serious than random thoughts. You are challenging the Lord for His place. Ask yourself, which is worse in God’s eyes, the thing he/she is doing that I don’t approve of, or me acting like I’m god? (“For the Lord is our judge; the Lord is our lawgiver; the Lord is our king; He will save us” Is. 33:22a)
- Our judgment is counterproductive. When you judge someone, they feel the judgment and react to you. It distracts them from hearing God. In effect, you hamper the Lord’s work as you step between them and the only one that can convict and change them.
Our correct response is to take our concern to the Lord in prayer and give it to Him. He is not only the judge, He convicts of unrighteousness, saves, redeems, and transforms hearts and lives. He is able make the change that is needed.
Our desire and goal is that the other person walk in righteousness. Our judgment will hinder that goal. If we leave them him or her in God’s hands, He can save and transform, thus achieving our ultimate goal.
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