Judging ‘Dos’ & ‘Don’ts’
Judging others refers to evaluating (1 Cor 14:29), approving, preferring, condemning (Rom 14:3), unfairly criticizing or bad-mouthing (Jas 4:12), and to making a decision (Lk 7:43; Acts 15:19). Hence, while our judging is often wrong, it can be legitimate. We are even commanded to judge situations and evaluate choices, actions, and people (Mt 7:6, 15-16; 1 Cor 2:15; 3:1; 1 Thess 5:20-21).
Here are some things we should avoid in our judgments: haste (1 Sam 1:12-14), prejudice (Rom 2:1; 14:3), superficiality (Jn 7:24), or injustice (Lk 6:37). We should also refrain from judgments that are uninformed (Acts 11:2-18) or based simply on hearsay (Isa 11:3). Furthermore, we ought to stay away from using standards that are contrary to the Bible (Col 2:20-23; Prov 30:5-6) and to judging another’s motives (1 Cor 4:5).
What should we do, then, when we judge? Our judgments should be made because we love (1 Cor 16:14), have looked to see if we have a similar problem (Mt 7:5), are compassionate (Lk 6:37; Jn 8:7), and are concerned about the other’s welfare (Rom 15:2; Eph 4:29). Naturally, we use biblical standards (Jn 7:24; 1 Cor 2:15-16). Finally, we carefully assess the evidence (Prov 18:13, 17) – recognizing that not all information is equally important (1 Sam 16:6-7) – then we come to a conclusion only when the evidence is substantial (Mt 18:15-17).
Comforting others is costly but worth it.