Judging Without Being Judgmental (Part 2)

Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment." John 7:24

Is it possible to judge without being judgmental?

My answer to this question is a resounding yes. Listed below are my top four ways on how to judge without being judgmental.

(1) Refer people to the model of Jesus Christ.

I have found that many people don’t actually know what Jesus and the Bible have to say about moral living. Give them a Bible and teach them the Holy Scriptures. It is hard to argue with the one who lived a sinless life—Jesus.

11For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. 15These, then, are the things you should teach. Titus 2:11-15

(2) Recognize your own need for grace and truth.

This is the key to staying humble. I have never forgotten that Christ died for sinners of whom I am the worst. In high school, I would have been voted least likely to become a pastor. When I talk with people who are not living according to God’s truth, I always remember that I used to be one of them. Love, not pride or hatred, must truly compel us when talking with others. Trust me, they will know the difference. The verse of scripture I identify with the most in the Bible is 1 Timothy 1:16.

It says, "16But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life."

(3) Remove any sin from your life first before you talk to others about their sin.

Is your faith worth emulating? Christ-followers should judge themselves first by living a life of self-examination. Insincerity is so unattractive. Nobody wants to listen to someone who is a hypocrite. Too often Christ-followers are more concerned with the sins of others and don’t take care of their own moral failures. For example, people speak out against homosexuality while getting a divorce. Or, others condemn abortion while engaging in sex before marriage. This is what Jesus was talking about in his teaching on the plank and the speck.

1"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3"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? 4How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. Matthew 7:1-5

(4) Reveal to others what God is doing in your life.

People love to hear personal stories. Make sure you tell them how Jesus has changed your life for the better. When our lives reflect a Christ-like example it is compelling and attractive, not judgmental. Remember, a person with an experience is never at the mercy of a person with an argument.

Apostle Paul exhorted Timothy to testify about the Lord to other people. In 2 Timothy 1:8-9 he writes, “8So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, 9who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.”

Does this help you speak the truth in love?