When Christians face disagreements, it’s common to hear phrases like, “Stop judging me,” or “Don’t be judgmental,” implying that judgment is inherently wrong. But is that what the Bible teaches?
We live in a spiritual battle between God and the Devil, who seeks to distort truth and blind people to the knowledge of Jesus Christ. He has done this since the Garden of Eden by twisting God’s Word, and his tactics remain the same. As believers, we are called to stand on the truth of God’s Word, discerning between light and darkness, truth and error, good and evil, love and hate. This often involves speaking up, reproving, and helping others see where they may be heading in the wrong direction. Yet, accusations of being “judgmental” can discourage us from addressing these issues with the clarity and love that Scripture commands.
Christians as well as non-Christians often quote the Bible itself to say we are not to judge others. The primary verse quoted is Matthew 7:1: “Do not judge, so that you are not judged.” When viewed in its context, this section of Scripture is warning against hypocritical and self-righteous judgment (Matthew 7:1-5). Jesus reproves those who judge others without first addressing their own faults and sins, likening it to removing a speck from a brother’s eye while ignoring the plank in one’s own. Romans 2:1-3 highlights the danger of condemning others for sins we ourselves commit. These passages do not forbid judgment but caution us to approach it with humility, grace, and self-examination.
Another verse often used to silence judgment is John 8:15, where Jesus says, “I judge no one.” Again, when viewed in context, Jesus is saying He judges no one according to the way the Pharisees were judging, i.e., judging according to the flesh. In the following verse, Jesus clarifies that when he does judge, his judgment is based on truth, not outward appearances.
The Bible’s teaching on judgment is nuanced. The Greek word for “judge” is krino, meaning to separate, evaluate, or make a distinction. Jesus Himself said, “Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a righteous judgment” (John 7:24). This indicates that judgment is not only permitted but necessary, provided it aligns with God’s truth and not our own biases. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us that God’s Word is living and active, capable of discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. It is the ultimate standard by which all judgment must be made.
The Bible consistently teaches that believers must judge actions and behavior in the light of God’s Word. For instance, 1 Corinthians 6:1-6 encourages Christians to resolve disputes within the church rather than taking them before unbelievers. Similarly, 1 Corinthians 11:31 urges believers to judge themselves to avoid coming under judgment. In these cases, judgment is an act of discernment, grounded in God’s truth and aimed at fostering accountability and spiritual growth.
True judgment is motivated by love and a desire to help others align with God’s will. Philippians 1:9-11 calls us to abound in love, knowledge, and depth of insight so that we may discern what is best and be pure and blameless before Christ. This type of judgment seeks restoration, not condemnation. It involves distinguishing sin from the sinner, giving others the benefit of the doubt, and reserving ultimate judgment for God, who alone knows the heart (1 Corinthians 4:5).
In order for Christians to grow in sound judgement, we need to diligently seek discernment, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding from God’s Word and adhere to it. When we do, we will understand the fear of Yahweh and have the knowledge of God (Proverbs 2:2-5). Growing in our relationship with Christ and God our Father requires humility, prayer, and a firm commitment to truth. The Word of God is the ultimate authority—it is our standard for making godly judgments regarding people, situations, doctrine, and ideas. We are called to stand approved before God in all things, which requires making righteous judgments.
When we judge according to God’s Word, we can speak the truth in love, build up the Body of Christ, keep it free from worldly influences, and reflect God’s grace and righteousness in our relationships with others.
1 Corinthians 2:15-16 – “Now the spiritual person judges all things, but he himself is judged by no one. For who has come to know the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.”
The bottom line is, Christians do have the right to judge, but such judgment must align with God’s Word, be exercised with humility and love, and aim for restoration rather than condemnation.
For more information on this subject please read our article “Judging Righteously.”