Judge not, that ye be not judged. Matthew 7:1
This verse is probably the most quoted when expounding the dangers of judging someone. Before using it again, take the time to read the next 4 or 5 verses. They tell us that we should not judge another when there is error or sin in our own lives. The only one who can judge another is one who cannot be judged. By taking the time to judge and correct the fault in ourselves, we can then understand how to judge another. Jesus said, “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.”John 7:24 We were never told not to judge, but to judge rightly. This means to judge according to the Word, with love, wisdom, and compassion. Avoid judgment that is biased and driven by accusations, personal feelings, or appearances, as this will bring one under the same type of judgment.
“I Judge No Man…”
Jesus did not judge anyone. This is another reason people avoid judging others. We cannot compare ourselves to Jesus. Jesus came to this world for a specific reason.
And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. John 12:47-48
Had Jesus come to judge, almost everyone would have been lost. But judgment will come on those who reject him. That judgment will come by the words that Jesus spoke. Yet, as I wrote earlier, only one who cannot be judged can offer right judgment. Here is proof…
Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man. And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me. John 8:15-16
Jesus has no sin, so he cannot be judged. Also note that Jesus does nothing alone. The Father would be with him in judgment. We should follow his example and not judge after the flesh, nor take judgment into our hands alone.
But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. Matthew 18:16
A Secret About Judgment…
For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. Romans 14:9-13
For those who believe that there is a special judgment for the Church, you are right. The thing is, that judgment has already begun! The highlighted part of Romans above lead many to think there is a future judgment. Think again…
For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 1 Peter 4:17
Is this future or present? The phrase ‘is come' is present tense, not future. Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father judging the Church now! The thing so vital to understand is this; We only have now to prepare our hearts and minds to meet Jesus. We must begin now to live the way we will live throughout eternity! Jesus will not change us into perfect saints when he appears. We must be perfect when he appears! So judgment has begun and we must take the time NOW to judge ourselves to be worthy of whats to come…
For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. 1 Corinthians 11:31-32
The Church Will Judge The World!
The next time someone says “Stop judging” or “Don't judge me”, think about this.
Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 1 Corinthians 6:1-2
If we cannot be righteous enough to judge one another in the petty things of this life, how can we judge all of humanity?
If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren? 1 Corinthians 6:4-5
Just remember, only those who are wise and without sin can rightly judge. Can we be without sin? We better be!!
So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Hebrews 9:28
This can only mean WE must be without sin. Jesus came sinless the first time. He knew no sin. That's what made him the perfect sacrifice. He who knew no sin took on and bore our sin. When he returns the second time, we must be without sin to obtain salvation!
The Church Will Judge Angels!
If you thought judging the world was special, imagine this…
Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? 1 Corinthians 6:3
What angels? The angels that left their first place, the fallen ones. Judgment day is coming for them. And the Church will be there to not only witness it, but take part in it as well!
The Thing to Note and Ponder…
Some people will wonder, “How are we going to judge people or angels we never knew or met?” No, we are not going to spend a thousand years pouring over books and reading accounts of lives lived and sins committed. That judgment is left to God. He knew all that would ever be done before He formed the worlds. No, our part is one of acknowledgement of the righteousness of God's judgment. Regardless of what sins are committed, at that time, only one will count against humanity…
He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. John 12:48
You see? Rejecting Christ that will bring judgment! Those things we do will decide the suffering for sin received. Yes, those who reject Christ's suffering will suffer for their own sins!
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10
Again, the Church is under judgment now. When all of humanity appears before Christ, the Church will receive joy, peace, and eternal life. Those who rejected Christ will suffer for their sins and receive eternal death. So, will we judge ourselves and one another in righteousness and love now and live judgment-free or defer judgment to the Judgment Seat? The choice is yours…