Do not Judge
February 7
Matthew 7:1-2, CSB, marks one of Jesus’ most frequently quoted statements of all time. Unfortunately, many quote it for the wrong reasons. Probably the number one wrong reason is using it as a “permission slip” to openly live in sin.
Another form of this argument rewords Jesus’ statement like this: “Only God can judge me.” Over the years, my response to hearing this from folks has been, “God, have mercy!” Sadly, those people had no clue what they were saying. In those situations, it was clear that their definitions of grace and mercy were twisted well beyond the biblical ones. To make matters worse, though, their well-meaning friends very often twisted these concepts also to support and affirm these people.
But grace doesn’t give us license to sin. (1 Peter 2:16) Grace empowers believers to change and become more like Jesus. (Titus 2:11–13) And, what’s so interesting about Jesus’ “don’t judge” statement is what He follows it with a few paragraphs later in Matthew 7:15-23. Here He commands us to be “fruit inspectors”—to be honest and discerning as we assess people and matters. So, Jesus is not telling us to ditch judgment altogether in Matthew 7:1-2.
As believers, it is crucial that we exercise discernment about the people and groups we “hitch up our wagon to,” and the words we choose to describe things. Just because we disagree with someone, his lifestyle, or all of his teachings does not mean that person is a “heretic”, “false teacher”, or a “false prophet”. These are serious labels that should never be thrown down just because a Bible teacher speaks out of place or overlooks something in Scripture in an application. Look at how rarely Paul used those terms, and remember that he frequently addressed some very bad people and issues.
I KNOW THIS because every week I step into a pulpit with fear and trembling that I may misrepresent God. (James 3:1) I also comment on our daily Bible readings in these devotionals. Do I always get it right? Heavens no! As I often tell people, though, “I reserve the right to be wrong, and I try to exercise that right as rarely as possible.”
My fear of misrepresenting God is why I craft my sermons for hours each week and use a manuscript when I preach. Even if I get it wrong, it doesn’t necessarily mean that I’ve disqualified myself from ministry. Having a handle on the Scriptures is only part of being a qualified pastor. Some things might disqualify me for a time, and some things might disqualify me from serving as a pastor for the rest of my life. That, however, is for another discussion.
Application
Recently, I came across a story on Facebook that left my heart very heavy. I felt that I needed to address the story and its related issues, but soon found myself wrestling with some serious questions:
• Was my response coming from my flesh?
• Was it the right place to deliver a strong word?
• Was it the right time to deliver that word?
After much prayer and consultation with a godly mentor, it was clear that it was not the right place or time. But, that time and place will come. And, I’m looking forward (with fear, trembling, and a heavy heart) to deliver the word God is giving me—when the time, place, and words are right. (Proverbs 25:11)
I was also reminded that we should operate with caution before responding to something that elicits a deep emotional response. Don’t judge, lest you be judged. But, when you must judge, proceed with caution, knowing that you will be judged with the same measure you show to the person you’re judging. Remember, you may not know the whole story. Your emotions may be the right response. But is the timing right? Is the venue right? Pray. Ask a godly mentor. Then, if you feel God’s blessing, proceed with caution, with boldness, but—most of all—with love. (Ephesians 4:15)
© Copyright 2026 Craig Beaman