Do you judge?

Question

Every single day we must make choices bettween right and wrong. We must, therefore, judge which choice is right and which choice is wrong. We also must judge situations - whether they are good or bad. We must judge doctrine, whether it be of Christ or not. Also, we must judge if people are going to hurt us or not so as to avoid them.

When the scriptures speak of not judging, generally it refers to a final judgment - we do not have the authority to make those kind of judgments. We must judge bettween good and evil all the time though.

So...do you judge? (...or do you even consider what was mentioned above "judgment"?)

Thank you all for your answers so far!

A few responses/comments:

wyomugs, I read the article. Thank you! A very good article and I agree with it.

conundrum, thank you for your reference to 1Cor. 6:1-6

I also liked the person who mentioned that we must also judge ourselves.

We must judge not unrighteously, that we be not judged; but judge righteous judgment, I guess. Perhaps that is a good way to say it.

Answer 1

The Bible definitely indicates that within the congregation of God’s devoted people situations arise that require passing judgment. For example, elders may be called upon to judge fellow believers who become involved in serious wrongdoing. (1 Cor. 6:1-6) They must determine whether such wrongdoers are truly repentant and desirous of living in harmony with Bible principles. In the case of unrepentant ones, elders must follow through on the Scriptural command: “Remove the wicked man from among yourselves.”—1 Cor. 5:13.
So Yes, in some cases Judging is Necessary.

Answer 2

There is an excellent article at the website from "gotquestions.org below... please read the entire article... not long, but to the point. Here is a quote from it:

When Jesus told us not to judge (Matthew 7:1), He was telling us not to judge hypocritically. Jesus warns against judging someone else for their sin when you yourself are sinning even worse. That is the kind of judging Jesus commanded us not to do. If a believer sees another believer sinning, it is their Christian duty to lovingly and respectfully confront the person with their sin. This is not judging, but rather pointing out the truth in hope of bringing repentance in the other person.

I hope this helps!

Have a blessed day!

Answer 3

It's a common misconception today that there is no right or wrong - everything is just perception. However, if you look at the classic philosophers, they all seem to agree that there is a law that is written into the hearts of all mankind. There are universal rights and wrongs in every (non-degenerate) society. Moreover, a strong understanding of ethics is essential to any degree of civilization.

Some examples of universal ethics are:
Respect for life
Respect for property
Love of truth
Respect for the family

When it comes to these universal ethics, not only are we able to judge them effectively, but it is right and proper to do so.

Answer 4

Of course I do. I also try to judge MY OWN actions by the standards I use to judge the actions of another person. If I would not condemn the action in myself, I should not in another.

Now as to the judgement of moral issues, I also try to look at context. There were citizens of New Orleans who stole food/water/basic clothing/diapers for the things that they and their families NEEDED for survival after Hurricane Katrina. There were also people who stole things after that hurricane that they DIDN'T NEED for survival. BOTH groups stole things but I would not condemn the first group because they were not living to steal, but stealing to live....

I know that some people would consider this a double standard, but it is something that I have given a lot of thought to, during and after going through Katrina in the French Quarter ....

Answer 5

Of course I judge. I judge people daily to determine whether or not they are worthy of my respect and admiration. The delusional faithful rarely measure up.

Answer 6

In regard to judging a person, to me it means that we need to offer mercy and compassion. That does not mean that we agree with their sin, just extending mercy and forgiveness. I do listen to the Holy Spirit and at times He has told me to stay away from a person because they are going to harm me.

Answer 7

What you have described is CHOOSING not judging. Judging means passing judgment.

Answer 8

It is humanly impossible not to judge.
Maybe the Bible means for us not to speak harsh or unkind judgments against others.
.

Answer 9

Of course I judge! I am capable of observation and reflection, so yes, I judge.

Answer 10

Every single day.