Passing Judgment

 

All too often, we don’t take the time to listen or observe or find out the facts of a situation or the truth about a person, instead we make snap judgments.

Passing judgment on others seems to be the order of the day and that just isn’t fair to them. Apostle Paul needed to address that same problem with the members of the church in Rome. He wrote to them asking,  

Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God – Romans 14:10 (ESV)

That was thousands of years ago and imagine we are still doing the same thing today. I guess, to engage in passing judgment is so ingrained in our “fallen” human nature, that Jesus Himself had cause to say,

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. – Matthew 7:1-2 (NIV)

Jesus makes it quite clear that passing judgment incurs a reciprocal response. What is really required is discernment. You see, there is a difference between judgment and discernment, and even though the Bible uses the word “judge” to mean “condemn”, sometimes it uses “judge” to mean “discern”; it will augur well for us to understand the difference.

For instance, in his first letter to the church at Corinth, the Apostle wrote,

The spiritual person [or person with the Spirit] is able to judge [discern; assess] all things, but no one can judge [discern; assess] him. – 1 Corinthians 2:15 (EXB)

So, “judge” in Romans 14:10 and Matthew 7:1-2 does not carry the same meaning as it does in 1 Corinthians 2:15.

Paul continues in Romans 14:13 (AMPC),

Then let us no more criticize and blame and pass judgment on one another, but rather decide and endeavour never to put a stumbling block or an obstacle or a hindrance in the way of a brother.

Please understand that criticizing, blaming and passing judgment on others impedes their spiritual progress and their faith, and displays spiritual immaturity. Spiritually mature persons do not jump to conclusions, they listen, they observe, they investigate, and they evaluate in order to respond or act in a godly manner. A spiritually growing person always uses discernment; judgment is never their first option.

Too many longstanding church members are too eager to condemn their brothers and sisters. They appear to be versed in placing stumbling blocks, obstacles and hindrances in the way of their fellowman, especially the younger members of the faith. Discernment seems to have eluded them and passing judgment, par for the course.

Passing judgment is not limited to spoken words; disapproval can come in wordless vocalization or a facial expression or eye movements or some other physical gesture.

In people’s normal everyday interactions with each other, it is natural to assess one another but as Christians, we are way too quick to form opinions of each other, and sadly they always lean towards negativity, our judgment meter kicks into overdrive. Those negative opinions can hurt deeply, humiliate, strip persons of their dignity, and dampen their faith, especially when we are wrong.

We habitually base our judgment on face value, strictly on the cover when we haven’t even read the book.

Beloved, no matter how spiritual you may be, you are unable to see anyone’s heart (ref. 1 Samuel 16:7) so, you cannot properly judge anyone and at times you can’t even understand your own behaviour far less someone else’s.

Both Jesus and Apostle Paul spoke plainly about passing judgment – bottom line is, do not judge, stop looking at the speck of dust in your brother’s eye when you have a whole light pole in yours (ref. Luke 6:41).

We must pray for discernment saying, Lord,

I ask that You give me a heart that understands [discerns; listens], so I will know the difference between right and wrong [discern between good and evil].

(ref. 1 Kings 3:9 EXB)

All of us who claim to be Christian, must look past our own prejudices and reach out with authentic love. We are called to be messengers of the Good News, not assigned to be passing judgment on others.

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Passing Judgment” ©2026 May 3, 2026