We’ve all heard the phrase, “Don’t judge me.” It’s often tossed around in a culture that seems to resist accountability and correction. But contrary to popular belief, Scripture does not forbid all judgment. In fact, the Bible clearly teaches that within the body of Christ, believers are called to hold one another accountable.
But that calling comes with a condition—one that too many overlook: judgment must be scriptural, spiritual, and rooted in both truth and relationship.
Who Are We Called to Judge?
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?”
— 1 Corinthians 5:12 (NIV)
Paul draws a sharp line here. Christians are not called to pass judgment on unbelievers. Those who do not belong to Christ are not bound by the standards of Scripture, and we cannot expect them to live by convictions they do not share. It is God’s job to judge them (v.13), not ours.
But when it comes to fellow believers—members of the same spiritual family—Paul says there is a time and place for judgment. The purpose isn’t punishment. It’s restoration. The goal isn’t shame. It’s sanctification.
The Danger of Blind Judgment
Unfortunately, some take that permission and run wild with it. They confuse discernment with condemnation, scriptural guidance with personal opinion, and loving accountability with self-appointed spiritual policing. That kind of judgment is not only unbiblical—it’s deeply damaging.
“Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”
— John 7:24 (ESV)
Jesus makes it clear: if we’re going to judge, it better be righteous. That means it must be informed by the full counsel of Scripture—not a cherry-picked verse or personal standard. It must also be guided by understanding—not assumption.
Judging someone’s behavior without knowing their heart, their story, or the battle they’re facing is reckless. It’s spiritual arrogance disguised as concern.
Judging With Humility
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.”
— Galatians 6:1 (NIV)
There’s a key word here: gently. Correction is never meant to crush. It’s meant to lift. If our judgment is harsh, cold, or demeaning, we’re not walking in the Spirit—we’re walking in the flesh.
When confronting a fellow believer, ask yourself:
- Do I truly understand this person’s situation?
- Have I prayed about this before speaking?
- Am I using Scripture faithfully, or just sharing my opinion?
- Do I love this person enough to walk with them, not just point fingers?
If the answer is no, then it’s not time to speak—it’s time to listen and reflect.
What Judgment Is Not
Judgment is not:
- Forcing personal convictions on others when Scripture is silent.
- Public shaming to make ourselves feel holier.
- Assuming motives we can’t see.
- Labeling or gossiping based on half-truths or hearsay.
“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?”
— Matthew 7:3 (NIV)
Jesus wasn’t condemning all judgment. He was condemning hypocritical judgment—the kind that sees everyone else’s flaws but refuses to deal with its own.
Final Thought
If you’re going to call out someone else’s sin, be sure you’re also willing to carry their burden. Truth without love is brutality. Love without truth is compromise. But when truth and love walk hand-in-hand, restoration becomes possible.
“Speak the truth in love.”
— Ephesians 4:15
We must learn to judge rightly—with discernment, with humility, and most importantly, with love. Anything less is not righteous judgment—it’s self-righteous harm.
Troy P Zehnder 