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Theology
o judge, or not to judge. That is the question. Why is this even a question? Doesn’t Jesus tell us in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 7:1–2 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged”? And doesn’t Paul write in Romans 14:10. “So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer?” Answer: yes, and yes. If that was all the Bible said about judging there wouldn’t be a question. But even in the same Sermon on the Mount— the next verse in fact—Jesus seems contradictory when He says, “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?” (v.3) And further in verse 6, “Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t
throw your pearls to pigs!” And over in 1 Corinthians 5:12– 13, Paul wrote, “… it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, “You must remove the evil person from among you.” So, what is the answer to the question? Do we judge or not judge? The answer is Scripture requires both of believers. Here’s why. In the Bible, the word “judge” has a spectrum of meanings. It can mean to discern, to judge judicially, to be judgmental, and to condemn. Our natural ability to evaluate and assess people and things can be exercised in a right way or a sinful one. Context always helps determine meaning. In this context the call to be poor
