Two Types of Judgements

Judging generally conjures images of condemnation or an air of superiority.

The word "judgment" generally conjures images of harshness or of treating others as if you are better than they. Understanding judgment is important for the Christian. There is that judgment seen as condemning others. Jesus warned us in Matthew 7:1-5 not to engage in this behavior. In the same chapter, however, he states in verses 15 to 20 that we must "watch out for false teachers." It's important to discern the difference.

Condemnation

Jesus warned his disciples that they are not to "judge" others. He stated this during the Sermon on the Mount, the specific section in question recorded in Matthew 7:1-5. He warned, "with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." It is clear from the context, however, that Jesus had in mind the practice of condemning others. He used the analogy of noticing a "speck of sawdust in your brother's eye" while failing to see "the plank in your own eye." We must never assume the posture of a traffic cop for God. It is right for us to warn and encourage others toward righteousness, but Jesus said it is wrong for us to adopt a judgmental spirit of superiority.

Discernment

While we are not to judge others in the sense of condemning them from an attitude of superiority, we are called to make value judgments. Jesus said, in Matthew 7:15, "Watch out for false prophets." He added, "By their fruit you will recognize them." Christians are supposed to judge in the sense that they recognize and call what is good as good and what is evil as evil.

Divine Judgment

We learn from the Apostle Paul, in Romans 12:19, "Do not take revenge my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge ... says the Lord.'" The Christian is called to defer to God's holy judgment. Human judgment may be flawed and this is why Christians are challenged by Jesus in Matthew chapter seven not to adopt an arrogant attitude toward others that leads to condemning.

Civil Judgment

Leaving judgment to God does not mean that criminals and other wrongdoers are to go unpunished. Right after admonishing the Romans to give place to God's wrath, Paul points out in Romans 13:1-5 that God has ordained "governing authorities" to maintain civil and societal order. He writes, "he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer." It is the Christian's responsibility to defer to God's agent, the governing authority, for judgment in matters of criminal and civil law.

References

• Holy Bible New International Version; 1984