Bring up the subject of judging and you usually get two different responses.
First, there are those who are unwilling to make any significant judgments. They "live and let live," within reason, of course. They believe that everyone should be able to choose their own values and lifestyle, and no individual has the right to "judge" them, excluding criminal activity.
Then there are others who love to judge. They sharpen their arrows, pick a target, and let loose, letting everyone know what they think. They see only the letter of the law and neglect the more important matters of justice, mercy, and love.
Matthew 7:1-2 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.
What does that mean? In short, we should not make judgments about the wrong things; or even if we do, we should not make them for the wrong reasons.
The word judge means to exercise discernment. At other times it can mean to condemn, and sometimes both ideas are present. But clearly, not all judging is wrong. We make judgments every day. To the person who says, "You ought not judge." I reply, "Then why are you judging me for judging?"
Principles for Good Judgment[]
Humility, not superiority
Consider Jesus' humorous illustration, "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your own eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?"
A basic principle of human nature: Most people see the sawdust in another's eye as a plank; and they see their own plank as a small speck!
The more humble we are, the more mercy we will show others. Those given mercy should exercise mercy; those who have stood in great grace should invite others to accept great grace.
Facts, not presumptions
People who are quick to judge do not need much evidence to form their judgments. We all know that it's impossible to know everything (proofs only exist in math and logical syllogisms, for example). We should admit that our judgments might be wrong.
Safeguard against hasty judgments by doing research, asking questions, having proper witnesses. Facts, not presumptions, must guide us.
Words and actions, not motives
An appeal to motive is a logical fallacy (flaw in reasoning), and is a form of circumstantial ad hominem, which attacks the character of a person rather than the argument.
We can critique a person's choices, methods, and lifestyle. We are not, however, qualified to judge the secrets of their soul. We can judge teachings and conduct, behavior and attitudes, but motives are out of reach, beyond the realm of our knowledge and jurisdiction.
The fact that we can't know the motives of others should not stop us from assessing our own motives. We must be anxious to know truth.
Let's try to limit our judgments to the words and actions of others and not impugn their motives.
Objective issues, not preferences
We have no right to judge others in matters of conscience where there is latitude of conduct or belief. Some things might not be permissible for me but might be permissible for you. When we judge, we must be able to point to an objective standard that undergirds our opinions.
The Bottom Line[]
The subject of judging has many challenges. On one hand are the judgmental folks; on the other are the "live and let live" folks.
The ability to make judgments lies at the heart of good authority. Unless we are able to judge choices, lifestyles and entertainment; unless we are able to distinguish between outer appearances and inner character, we may never be able to exercise authority well.
As a moderator and former administrator who often makes judgments, I do not claim perfection.
I do not claim to make final judgments.
I do not claim we are above those we judge.
I do, however, affirm that it is important to seek truth. I affirm that we have the responsibility to live by the truth and encourage others to do the same.