Christians are often accused of being judgmental. This perception comes from several factors. First, the Bible does call followers of Jesus to discern between right and wrong and to point out sinful behaviors. However, the intent is not to condemn but to bring people to repentance and restoration through Christ’s love and forgiveness. Secondly, some Christians can come across as self-righteous when confronting sin issues, especially those of a sensitive nature, like sexual immorality. A haughty attitude goes against Jesus’ teachings on humility and grace. Lastly, hypocrisy among Christians fuels perceptions of judgmentalism. When believers rightly identify sin but don’t address their own weaknesses, it seems judgmental to outsiders.
In examining the question of judgmentalism, we will look at what the Bible teaches about discernment, self-righteousness, hypocrisy, and the proper approach to addressing sin. The goal is to understand how Christians can avoid being judgmental while still upholding godly standards.
What does the Bible say about discernment and judgment?
There are over 50 verses in the Bible telling Christians to discern, judge, or evaluate certain matters. For example, Romans 16:17-18 instructs believers to watch out for and keep away from false teachers who promote division. In 1 Corinthians 5:9-13, the apostle Paul rebukes the Corinthian church for not judging a man living in sexual immorality. He says they have a responsibility to judge those inside the church. And 1 John 4:1 tells Christians to test the spirits to see if people are teaching truth or false doctrines.
These passages show that followers of Christ should indeed discern between truth and error, righteousness and wickedness. However, this type of judgment is not the same as condemnation. The goal is to identify harmful beliefs or behaviors in order to guard against deception and to keep the church pure. It’s done out of love and care for others, not from a sense of moral superiority.
Other verses speak directly to condemnation. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you” (Matthew 7:1-2). Here Jesus warns against self-righteous condemnation, where flawed humans presume to stand in God’s place as judge. Elsewhere, Romans 14:13 states, “Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.” The focus is on humility and self-examination, not finger pointing.
In summary, the Bible promotes humble discernment, not prideful judgment. The measuring stick is God’s Word, not our own opinions. The motivation is love for the lost and wayward. And the proper posture is grace and humility, recognizing our own imperfections. Discernment asks “How can I help?” Judgment says “You’re wrong!”
What is self-righteous judgment?
Self-righteous judgment or condemnation happens when Christians set themselves up as morally superior to others. It stems from attitudes like pride, hypocrisy, and arrogance. The Pharisees in Jesus’ day illustrate this. Luke 18:9 says Jesus told a parable to some who trusted in their own righteousness and viewed others with contempt. Though outwardly religious, the Pharisees’ hearts were filled with pride and scorn toward “sinners.”
Scripture gives several antidotes to self-righteous judgmentalism. Micah 6:8 says God requires us “to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” So humility should mark our dealings with others. James 4:12 reminds us that “There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you–who are you to judge your neighbor?” We are in no position to condemn; only God can save or condemn eternally. And as Jesus taught, we should examine our own flaws before judging others (Matthew 7:3-5). Self-inspection promotes humility.
Additionally, when addressing sin issues, Jesus set the example of compassion. With the woman caught in adultery, He exposed the religious leaders’ hypocrisy before telling the woman to go and sin no more (John 8:1-11). And to the woman at the well, Jesus showed grace before confronting her lifestyle and pointing her to true worship (John 4:1-26). if we manifest Christ’s humility and compassion for sinners, we can avoid Pharisee-like condemnation.
What does the Bible say about hypocrisy and judgmentalism?
Hypocrisy is when someone judges another person for sinful practices they themselves partake in. Jesus often rebuked the Pharisees for hypocrisy. He said, “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence” (Matthew 23:25). They appeared righteous outwardly but were corrupt inwardly.
To avoid hypocrisy, Christians must engage in self-reflection and confession of sin. As 1 John 1:8 states, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” Paul echoes this: “You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things” (Romans 2:1). The solution is taking the log out of our own eye first before addressing the speck in someone else’s eye (Matthew 7:5).
Additionally, believers should approach others with understanding of their own spiritual frailties. Paul says, “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently” (Galatians 6:1). Gentleness and humility must season any rebuke. The goal is always restoration, not condemnation. Otherwise, we are hypocritical judges.
How should Christians approach sin issues?
When confronting sin, Jesus and the apostles set forth a balanced approach. We must address unrighteousness while offering hope through the gospel. Paul says we are to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Likewise, Jesus exposed the Samaritan woman’s sin of adultery but did so with tact and compassion (John 4:1-26). And he showed mercy to the woman caught in adultery but still commanded her to sin no more (John 8:1-11).
Christians should follow this pattern when dealing with sin issues. We are called to humbly identify behaviors that are destructive or immoral according to God’s Word. But we must do so gently and lovingly, with grace and understanding toward the offender. Additionally, we must point people to Christ, who alone can forgive sins and transform hearts.
The goal of any rebuke should be repentance, reconciliation, and restoration to God and others. Paul writes, “If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent—not to put it too severely. The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow” (2 Corinthians 2:5-7). This models gracious restoration.
Principles for avoiding judgmentalism
Based on biblical teachings, here are some principles for avoiding judgmental attitudes:
- Remember we are all sinners saved by grace. “There is no one righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10).
- Approach others with humility not moral superiority. “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude” (1 Corinthians 13:4).
- Set aside hypocrisy by dealing with our own sins first. “First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:5).
- Judge by God’s Word, not human opinions – be guided by truth, not personal preferences or pet peeves. “Your word is truth” (John 17:17).
- Restore gently – the goal is repentance and reconciliation, not condemnation.”If someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently” (Galatians 6:1).
With prayer, the Holy Spirit’s help, and Christ’s example, Christians can avoid judgmentalism and humbly point people to the light of Christ. Discernment and grace should go hand in hand.
Addressing common objections related to judgment
Critics raise various objections about Christians and judgment. Here are some responses:
Don’t Christians have to believe their way is right and others wrong?
Christians do believe absolute moral truths exist and that the Bible reveals the mind of God on moral issues. However, this conviction should be held with humility not arrogance. Christians admit they struggle to live according to God’s standards and need grace as much as anyone. Also, the determination of right and wrong is based on the truth of Scripture, which stands on evidence and divine inspiration, not merely personal preference.
Shouldn’t only God judge people?
Yes, God alone can make final judgments on a person’s eternal destiny or standing before Him. But God calls Christians to make limited judgments to discern truth from falsehood, help people repenting of sin, and guard the church from deception and immorality. The goal is never to condemn but to restore people to God, just as Jesus demonstrated.
Who are you to tell me how to live?
No Christian has grounds for moral superiority. All are saved by grace and struggle with sin. However, the Bible does call Christians to encourage one another to grow in godliness. This is done gently and humbly, not from a position of perfection. The motivation is love, not condemnation. Christians believe biblical standards reflect the Creator’s design for human flourishing and that restoring people to God’s path brings freedom and joy.
Shouldn’t Christians be tolerant and just love others?
Biblical love involves both compassion and truth-telling. Jesus showed abundant grace but also challenged people to leave sin behind. Christians are called to speak and live out God’s truth with humility, kindness, and mercy. Dogmatic or harsh condemnation is never acceptable. However, muted truth that avoids calling sin “sin” is also unloving because it leaves people trapped in behaviors that destroy lives.
Why do Christians focus so much on certain sexual sins?
Some Christians have singled out sexual sins while ignoring their own pride or greed. This hypocrisy is wrong. All sin should be confronted with humility. However, the Bible does identify certain sexual behaviors, like adultery and homosexual practice, as outside of God’s will. Christians believe sex was designed by God for a husband and wife. Violating this damages people emotionally and spiritually. Christians want to save people from such hurt, not condemn them.
Walking in grace and truth
Jesus perfectly modeled speaking truth with grace. His harshest rebukes were directed at religious elites who used truth to condemn rather than restore. To the downtrodden, Jesus showed abundant compassion. He warned the woman caught in adultery to stop sinning even as He defended her against condemnation. Christians are called to follow Christ’s pattern, discerning sin with humility while extending hope. By walking in grace and truth, Christians can avoid being judgmental and lead others to redemption in Christ.