There is a famous movie where a villainous character uses the word inconceivable, a lot. On one of those occasions, one of his hired men says, “You keep using that word. I don’t think it means what you think it means.” I believe the same is true for judge, or more specifically the phrase, “Don’t judge.” It usually happens when someone does something or is about to do something that could cause those around them to look poorly upon them. The end result is that any form of criticism or correction is seen as “passing judgment.” Those people are quick to point out that judgment is a sin because Jesus said so.
While they may not know that it is found in Matthew 7:1, Jesus did say, “Do not judge so that you will not be judged.” Is that what He meant? Did Jesus intend for us not to make any moral discernment? I don’t think so. Let’s put this verse in its context. Jesus is nearing the end of the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7) when He mentions judgment. He is helping people to reshape their hearts and concepts of the established righteousness religiosity of the day. “For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:20). In the immediate context, he is dealing with hypocrites (Matt. 7:5). The scribes and Pharisees were the ones who He was addressing. They were trying to correct everyone else’s sin without realizing they had a whole board in their own eye (Matt. 7:3-5). The parallel account of this in Luke 6 sheds some light on the subject. “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned” (Luke 6:36-37). Mercy was the issue. The religious of the time were pointing out the faults of others without realizing that they were in the same or worse situation. Being completely blinded by the plank in their own eyes, they were in no condition to help others. However, if they could remove theirs first, they would understand a great truth. “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). With this great understanding, you can have mercy on those who are in sin because you were there once also. That is why we have Galatians 6:1-2, “Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.”
So, to those who are using Matthew 7:1 out of context to feel better about themselves, it doesn’t mean what you think it means. To those who are quick to pass harsh unrighteous judgement, remember there is One that will judge you.